Blind Warrior (The Weavers Circle #3) - Jocelynn Drake Page 0,94

in those gray eyes. He remembered what the man had said about picturing him naked and had to swallow the sudden lump in his throat. He set his corn down and wiped his hands, no longer hearing the conversation going on around him. They stared at each other and under the table, Grey’s hand settled on his thigh. Grey squeezed his fingers, and all Cort’s blood rushed to his cock.

“Soon.”

Yes, soon they would be alone.

Chapter 21

Grey wandered out to the back patio and smiled at the sight of his handsome mate leaning against a support column, seeming to stare off into the star-filled sky. While watching his mate was certainly his new favorite pastime, his second was quickly becoming the observation of the red ribbon that ran from him to Cort.

When he’d first spotted it between Clay and Dane, then Baer and Wiley, it had reminded him of a thick decorative red ribbon that might be found on a gift. But now that he could see it attached to his own person, the ribbon took on more detail. Its satiny glisten did nothing to detract from the fact that it looked as strong as the metal ropes holding a bridge in the air. Nothing would ever cut the ribbon that linked him to Cort.

Of course, even if he’d never been able to see the ribbon linking them, there was no missing the love, hope, and hints of nervousness lurking in Cort’s eyes. His man was so very easy to read, and Grey wasn’t entirely sure it was all due to getting his full powers back. There was just something so wonderfully open and trusting in all of his expressions. Cort didn’t hide what he was feeling. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and there was no missing that it beat for Grey.

Dear God, he wanted to be worthy of that love and trust. He swore he was going to work harder on expressing his feelings and making sure Cort never questioned how important he was to Grey. His mate deserved that.

His mate.

Two words he’d been sure would never apply to him. But he was going to make sure he cherished them every day of his life.

Crossing the patio, he slid his arms around Cort’s waist from behind and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his neck. “I missed you,” he murmured, shoving down his worries about being too clingy and needy. And he was so glad he did. Otherwise, he might not have noticed the swell of pure joy that rose in Cort at those three words.

“Just stepped outside for a little fresh air. Your family is so crazy.”

“Our family,” Grey corrected gently, pressing another kiss on a little patch of skin not covered by the collar of Cort’s T-shirt. “They’re your family now too. They will always be there for you. Always protect you. Even if something happens to me.”

One of Cort’s hands jumped up to wrap around both of Grey’s and squeezed. “Like hell I’m ever gonna let something happen to you.”

Grey let the comment go. This wasn’t what he wanted to think about tonight. He’d gotten his eyesight back and gained a soul mate. They were supposed to be celebrating. There was plenty of time to worry about the dangers that still waited for them.

“Want to head up?”

Cort partially turned in Grey’s arms so he could see his face over his shoulder. “Are you sure? I figured you’d want to spend time with the family. Celebrate.”

“It’s been a long day, and we have celebrated. Now I have a mate I very much need to explore with my eyes.”

A wicked smile spread across Cort’s full lips, and a new twinkle lit his warm chestnut eyes. “Are you planning just a visual exploration?”

“Oh, no. My hands, mouth, and other body parts will very much be involved.”

Grabbing one of Cort’s hands, he led the man across the back patio toward the door leading up to the apartment. There was no need to wish the others good night. He’d been followed by plenty of catcalls when he’d wandered off to find Cort. His brothers knew exactly what his plan was and completely understood.

At the door, he looked back across the yard, taking in the dance of light and shadows across the leaves fluttering in the cool breeze. Stars winked in the sky as high clouds passed lazily by. Crickets and frogs chirped their love songs. In his little slice of the world, everything looked like it was at