All Chapters of Bound By Gratitude, Shackled By Lies.: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

CHAPTER 31JORDAN “Graylin texted me.”My hands trembled with rage as I sieved the flour into the bowl.“Yeah? What did he say?”Maze shrugged, wiping off the counter before turning to face me.“He said he's sorry for hurting me,and that he has broken things off with Savannah and wants me to come back to him.”I swallowed painfully. “He was at the office earlier,I beat him up.”I don't know what I was expecting,but Maze's grin threw me off guard. “Good.”I smirked,pride rushing through me.“Why do you still have those clothes on?”Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “What? you'd prefer me without any?”My cheeks burned,which was a first…no woman had ever flustered me before.“I meant,why aren't you wearing any of the clothes you got today? They did arrive, didn't they?”She nodded, moving towards me at the large marble top table in the middle of the kitchen.“Your clothes are much freer which... is exactly what I need for my back,and…I love the way they

CHAPTER 33.MAZIKEEN “I'm no psychologist,” Lin started, “but I can definitely say that there's absolutely nothing wrong with you for not thinking about your abuser.”I adjusted, “perhaps it's time for me to see a therapist.” “I agree,” Linda muttered,a coy smile spreading over her face. “Mr. Black can definitely afford it.”“I'm sure he can,you know,he even asked to change my whole wardrobe.”“And let me guess,you said no?”I frowned, “Why'd I say no?”Lin chuckled, her eyes glowing with mischief. “You know some girls would’ve been like…nO I Don’T neEd yOuR mOnEY,I'm A BiG giRL.”My confusion deepened but I couldn't help but laugh at her impression.“But why reject something you need though?”Lin shrugged. “Pride? Ego? plot development?”“I'll never do that,” I said honestly, shaking my head. “What kind of girls do that?” “The ones in my books and movies,” she deadpanned,then laughed again.“What are you two laughing about?” Paul suddenly asked as

CHAPTER 35MAZIKEEN “Okay then.”Jordan's long fingers gripped mine, firmly as he led me towards the main entrance of the academy,his strides confident and purposeful.The urge to scrape my fingers down his back—was almost unbearable—holding his hand wasn't enough and the sight of the dark green knit sweater stretched across his muscled back, wasn't helping matters.God,he looked so good. His hair wonderfully tousled and styled,and he smelled sooo good,a warm,earthy citrusy smell that felt like a soothing caress.I felt the gold band of the ring on his index finger as he squeezed my fingers reassuringly and my gaze fell to the subtle stretch of his jeans,fitted perfectly around his waist.Perhaps I was a vain woman but I really, really liked how Jordan Black looked in his jeans…in all his clothes.‘You like how he looks without them too,’ a tiny voice whispered and I chewed on my bottom lip as images of that first night flashed through my mind,how he felt und

CHAPTER 37MAZIKEEN “No,not yet.” Jordan answered softly, “but I know he will,we just need to give him time.”I swallowed, glancing down at my almost empty plate and feeling grateful that I'd at least eaten enough before my sudden appetite loss.“You're right,Maze.”I picked up the glass of water and raised it to her mouth, “right about what?”“There's something special about you.”I side eyed him as I drained the glass--and he looked like he was on the edge of a chuckling fit.“Why're you trying to be sweet in the middle of an important conversation?”“I'm not…” he pressed his lips together and exhaled through his nose. “I'm talking about what you told me the other day, about…feeling like you have some sort of energy…inside of you.”“Ohhh,” I nodded. “See how fast the wounds healed? Barely a full week.” I didn't mind scars but I was glad all the injuries had healed with very minimal ones.Jordan nodded,then tilted his head to the side as he studied me silently.

CHAPTER 39JORDAN Linda's face lit up as Maze and I walked into the lobby. “Oh my gosh!Maze!!” she exclaimed as she rounded the marble desk, rushing towards us with her arms already open and stretched towards Maze.“I'm so glad you're back to work!” “I am glad to be back,” Maze replied as they hugged, “but then I won't be staying long…”Linda pulled back and examined Maze's face, “your first session's today, right?”“Yeah,” Maze replied. “Kinda nervous.”“Don't be…you look great,I'm sure you'll do great too.”Maze chuckled sweetly, “I don't see the correlation,but I love you.”Linda hugged her again,then pulled back just as fast and turned to me.“Good morning Mr. Black,” she said.“Morning Lin,” I murmured, suddenly distracted by the buzz of the phone in my hand-a call from Mathew.“Miss Smith,” I called and her eyes flitted to mine, knocking the breath out of me.“I'll be up soon,” she told me when I gestured to ‘up’ as I raised the phone to my