Since he had his back turned toward me to slip off his shoes. For a second time, I saw his tattoo-branded marks. Almost covering his back in these unique symbols. I even saw he had some on his upper arms and shoulders. But the one branded mark of these three bar lines stood out to me on Cory's lower neck spine. For another second, I looked around at the other shirtless men hanging out with their wives or friends. John has the same symbol on his left neck side. Then it kinda dawned on me. Jay had the same mark on his left neck side as John, Zig, Daniel, and those other men who guard outside the property. Then Aaron has the three lines on the right side of his neck. Same with Pete, Justin, and other men who guard inside the mansion.
Then Mike has the same symbol on the back of his left forearm near his wrist. And Matt has it on the same area only it's on his right forearm like Abby's husband Rick. JJ, Zion, Conner, and other men in JJ's Division have the mark on their upper left side shoulder. Lastly, I saw Nick, along with Mason, Ash, and the others in his Division have the branded mark on their right upper shoulder side. Like a light going off in my brain. Perhaps, I figured out how to tell who works in what Division. Yet, I was puzzled, Cory was the only one who had the branded mark on the back of his lower neck.
After getting his shoes off, Cory turned to face me and gave me this funny expression with an eyebrow lifted.
"What?" I asked unsure why he was looking at me so funny.
"You're just standing there, staring," Cory replied with an odd smirk. Now I realized I have been standing around watching him and comparing his branded tattoos marking with his men. I felt pretty sheepish and fiddled my fingers at my hips for a second.
"I was looking at your unusual tattoos and strange symbols but I noticed you and your men have the same branded mark of the three-bar lines, tattooed on different parts of their bodies. I was wondering why and if it meant anything?" I told him to be honest and hoped he'll answer my question.
Cory kinda nods giving me a plain expression saying. "The three lines means we passed all six training courses at age hundred. All boys military or not earn the symbol at the age of a hundred. The non-military boys will get the branded mark on their upper left wrist to show they aren't military but passed their training courses. Everyone else will get the mark to their chosen Division they will work in once their warriors."
I nodded confirming my inward assumptions were correct and asked. "I started to notice that but why are you the only one that carries the branded symbol on the back of your lower neck?"
"Because I am a Royal," Cory replied. "All Royals get the symbol on the back of their neck."
"That's interesting," I mumbled to notice he was still looking at me strangely. As his head cocked slightly.
"So are you going to get undressed?" Cory asked with this questionable flirty voice. "Or do I need to help you?"
"Pardon me?" I hissed and folded my arms showing my sass. "I never said I was going swimming now did I?"
Cory chuckled amused but I rolled my eyes at his kiddish behavior. I mean really, who does he think he is! Suddenly, my stance became still as Cory ambled over close enough that I feel his pleasurable breath airing my face. A heatwave pumped through my veins. As I felt his fingers touch the waistline on my hips. His pupils filled with what seemed to be desiring lust. I was caught in the moment of being mesmerized by those striking eyes. As both, his hands' fingertips travel from my hips along the waistband of my jean shorts. Until he reached the center button. My heartbeat was pounding like a drum and my breath was taken. I found myself lost in his forbidden dark marble green eyes. A half-grin curved on his right lip. And I hear the button on my shorts snap open.
I pant as his face leans into my right ear.
"So I guess that means I am undressing you," He whispered so seductively. His lips touch the same sensitive area just under my ear.
"Ahh," I moan softly when he nibbles my bare skin. No, I can't do this again! I came to my senses and pushed his shoulder to stop him from sucking on my neck. I was blushing while he still stood here merely an inch away. With his hands still grasped on my shorts to keep me in place.
"You are not allowed to touch me remember," I said trying to stop my body from wanting to feel his touch. And reminding him of the deal we made.
Cory laughed and said smirkingly. "I never said I was going to touch you. I was only helping you undress. Why would touch you right in front of everyone in our kingdom? When I go to touch you it will just be me and you."
I am dying here and blushing badly at that. I couldn't believe he was denying what he was doing.
"Seriously! I raised my voice, not with anger. "You just kissed my neck! Doesn't that count as touching?"
At first, Cory looked at me with this weirder smirk plastered on his face. Then he deeply roared up in laughter.
"I don't think you and I are talking about the same kinda touching," he blurted out amused when chuckling!
My mouth gaped open, I couldn't believe he was thinking... Ugh! He was thinking about... Ugh!
"I swear you hybrid men are nothing but disgusting," I hissed in his face since he insisted on being so close to me.
Cory let out a louder chuckle saying. "If I was truly that disgusting. I wouldn't be here at the falls with you. You and I would be in the bed wrestling naked between the sheets."
"Ugh!" I lashed out, "that's just gross!"
But Cory laughed more and then said. "It's natural for me to wanna make love to you. It's the moon phase, Sally. I know you're feeling it too. Can you honestly blame me?"
I rolled my eyes as he asked me so innocently. "Don't forget you made me a promise," I told not caring to comment on his other statement. I was in heat and understood this stupid imprint was causing these weird desiring stirrups surging through me. His grin enlarges to his ears. Ugh, I could only imagine what he's about to say now!