Loving Liberty

By Belinda Boring

Liberty Montgomery is many things:

A dutiful daughter.
Perfect wife-in-training.
Easy to manipulate.
Compliant.

But secretly she wants more.

For years, Liberty has dreamed of a life filled with opportunities—a life where she makes the decisions, living by her own rules. Unfortunately, her parents have other plans for her, ones that involve her submission and total obedience. Every attempt to break free from their control is met with threats, leaving her feeling trapped. Just when all seems hopeless, Liberty meets Oliver Nichols. With just two words, be brave, he stirs up her secret longings for more . . . friendship, fun, and independence. He almost has her believing her dreams are possible. However, taking a stand can be terrifying when you’ve spent your entire life pleasing others.

Are some chances worth taking? What would she risk for freedom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Boring
• Release date: Jul 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301732579

Belinda Boring

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. It wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Book preview

Chapter One

I looked with longing, my sole focus on the people sitting at the neighboring table.

There was nothing special about them, just a small group of young adults, like me; but they represented a world I desperately wanted to be part of. We were all here, with our families, to raise money for the latest popular charity. Our similarly styled clothes screamed upper class, suggesting we shared things in common. Most ran in the same social circle, but that wasn’t what I envied about them.

They looked as though they were happy, enjoying the kind of life where they were free to come and go as they chose. Laughing openly, there wasn’t any fear of reprisal or condemnation when their loud behavior drew attention. The group was having an amazing time, and I couldn’t help feeling the pangs of jealousy.

It’s what I wanted more than anything in the world—the ability to act without fear of disappointing my parents. The chance to let simply loose and be myself with no restrictions, stern warnings, or lectures about how proper young women should act in public.

I was twenty-one years old and the perfect model of who my parents believed I should be. From my well-maintained blonde hair, always immaculate without a misplaced strand, to the expensive clothes, making me feel like a Stepford wife-in-training, I had been groomed, from an early age, for this life of wealth and privilege.

And I hated it.

What I wanted to do was stand on top of the table I was sitting at, throw my head back and scream, My name is Liberty Montgomery and I want more! I would ignore the horrified stares and hushed whispers, not caring about the backhanded snickers or judgmental comments. I wanted to break free of the cage I felt trapped in. Even knowing it would disappoint my parents didn’t bother me.

But that would be a lie, wouldn’t it? There were only so many times I could fool myself before the truth surfaced. I was a people pleaser—born and bred. Every time I saw my mother’s lips purse in censure, I cringed.

My imagination ran wild with all the criticisms that would be surging through her mind, if I did, though. There was no doubt she would be stockpiling them until we were within the safety of our home, where privacy would afford her the luxury to speak her mind. She would never openly berate me in public; it wasn’t something refined families did. She would simply wait and then together, with my father, tag-team me. I was lucky to usually emerge from those types of discussions with my spirit unscathed.

My father was the type of man you would rather die than upset. He demanded excellence from everyone, and that didn’t exclude his daughter. If anything, he expected more of me; and his brand of perfection was exhausting to maintain. I did it because I love him, working hard to avoid hearing him say my name as though it pained him. My entire life revolved around trying to earn his respect and affection.

Staring over at the loud crowd, I knew if I joined them, I would only gain his displeasure.

I was trapped.

I let out a heavy sigh, reining in my thoughts. It didn’t help to wish for things I couldn’t have. My regimented upbringing, the restrictions I sometimes railed against, was just as much my fault as my parents’. I didn’t have to be the dutiful daughter. I could rebel at any time, declare the need to be my own person and tell them, no.

I didn’t, though.

As each year passed, I kept willing myself to speak up, but old habits die-hard.

One day, I whispered, taking a small sip of sparkling water. It was difficult not to flinch as I swallowed the disgusting beverage. My mother was adamant that all young ladies should drink it. I eyed the drinks at the other table, knowing they’d been bought at the bar. Occasionally, I was permitted a small flute of champagne, but never outside our home and never interesting cocktails like they’d ordered. Looking at my half emptied glass in disgust, I placed it down beside the name cardholder.

Only two more hours of scrutiny and you can go home. I could fake it as long as I needed. It was something I’d perfected over the years.

Can I get you anything? Another drink, maybe? A deep voice interrupted my musings, dragging my gaze upward. I tried not to gasp out loud as I stopped at the most beautiful blue eyes I’d ever seen. The server caught me by surprise and my fingers instinctively reached up to fidget with my string of pearls.

If I thought his eyes were striking, they only complimented the rest of him. The name badge on his shirt said Oliver and I couldn’t stop staring at how perfect his mouth was—the way it raised a little higher to the right side. With dimples on each side of his cheeks, he was, by far, the most handsome guy in the room.

He didn’t say another word, tilting his head slightly, his smile growing wider by the second. That’s when I realized he was waiting for my answer. I’d been too busy noticing his light brown hair was spiked up at the ends and how broad his shoulders were. He wasn’t the first good-looking guy I’d ever seen, but his unwavering focus did something funny to my stomach. Oliver had rendered me completely speechless and I felt like an idiot.

He is the only one that makes you forget you manners. Answer him before he walks away!

Sorry. I could feel my face heat and turn about a hundred shades of red. I’m good for right now, I continued, chewing on my bottom lip. Thanks, though.

Are you sure? I can get you something other than what you’re already drinking. He gestured to the glass. His offer was incredibly tempting.

I am. Sparkling water suits me just fine. To prove my point, I took a mouthful. It wasn’t my customary sip and it took everything I had not to spit it out.

Do you usually gag when you drink water? He was teasing me, flashing another lopsided grin. My stomach did flip flops, my heart racing a little, as well.

I don’t know what you . . . I paused as he cocked his eyebrow. Glancing around to see if my family was close, I didn’t bother hiding my shudder. Who am I kidding? This stuff is nasty. I pushed it away.

Well, I have this strict policy that I never let pretty girls drink things that make them cringe. So please, for me, is there anything else I can get you? Maybe something from the bar?

Wishing I had the courage to say yes, I shook my head, instead. The different mixed drinks were definitely enticing; but without knowing their names, I didn’t want to appear stupid. No, it’s okay. I’ll stick with this.

Oliver gave me a curious look, opening his mouth slightly, like he wanted to push the issue but changed his mind. There was no way I wanted this gorgeous guy to discover he was talking with a good girl who did everything she was told. Even though the chances were I’d never see him again, the idea of him out there in the world knowing how sheltered I was, bothered me.

It bothered me a lot.

Even though it breaks my heart, I’ll concede, just this once. He placed his hand over his heart, giving me a crushed expression. You enjoy your evening, Miss?

It took me a second to realize he was asking for my name. I flushed again, knowing I’d been caught staring at his lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss them.

Liberty. My name’s Liberty Montgomery.

It’s a pleasure meeting you, Liberty. He bowed slightly, his hands tucked behind his back. Mine’s Oliver Nichols. If you need me for anything, just let me know. The flirtatious wink he gave turned my insides upside down.

Anything? The second the word was out, I wanted to slap my hands over my mouth. I didn’t know what it was about this guy, but he had me forgetting all of my mother’s etiquette training. I was actually flirting, and it felt good.

Oliver laughed and the sound created another whirlwind in my body. That’s when I knew he was dangerous. Especially if I can make you smile like that. I instantly looked down to my lap, unsure of how to respond.

There was no need to worry as just at that moment, my older sister, Erica, approached the table, sitting down in the empty seat beside me. She glared at Oliver, obviously annoyed he was standing there, and ordered a drink before waving her hand to dismiss him. He graciously overlooked her rudeness, smiling at me one more time before leaving.

Please tell me you weren’t flirting with him, Liberty, she demanded, her question laced heavily with disgust. When I didn’t answer with the correct response of denial, she shook her head. Can’t I leave you alone for more than a few minutes?

I don’t need a babysitter, Erica. And what if I was? I felt the battle coming on. It always felt like we were in competition with each other, trying to see who pleased our parents more. It wasn’t how I wanted my relationship with her, but nothing I did ever softened her frosty attitude toward me. She saw me as a threat, one she did everything in her power to eliminate.

He’s hired help. He’s so beneath you. What would Mom say if she knew? Hmmm, maybe I’ll just let her know. Erica wore an all-familiar cruel smile. I closed my eyes, knowing that without meaning to, my talking with Oliver would be conversation fodder for at least the next few days. My sister was relentless once she uncovered something.

If only I knew what? As if mentioning her name was a summons, my mother appeared. She was the picture of elegance—her appearance completely molded and designed to display her social status. She was considered one of the top-tier elite within our social circle and it showed. She looked as though she’d just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine with her tailored green evening dress, strapped heels, and flawless make-up. Even her manicured nails were impeccable. Her dream was to have her daughters follow in her footsteps and Erica was definitely doing it; but each time I saw her primped this way, I felt exhausted. I saw how much effort it took to present such a dignified front to the public, all while wearing a smile.

Liberty was flirting with one of the Wait Staff. Heaven knows what would have happened if I hadn’t arrived when I did. I wanted to growl at the syrupy, fake concern with which Erica coated her words. It’s worrisome, Mom. Can you imagine the scandal?

I took a deep breath in, waiting to see how my mother responded. She seemed tense for a moment, as though wanting to lash out. But, as quickly as I noticed her reaction, it was gone. Despite her concealed annoyance at my apparent audacity, she didn’t accept my sister’s goading.

We’ll talk more about this when we get home, she answered with a smile, her voice light and breezy. Only I noticed the slight tic below her eye. I knew what to look for.

Erica sat back in her chair, wearing a victorious grin. A tiny part of me wanted to lean over and smack the smug expression from her face. Instead, I took another drink of water, trying not to cringe.

Have you seen who else is here? My mother asked, brushing away imaginary lint from my shoulder. She straightened the strap of my evening dress, displeased with how it sat against my skin. Andrew Hampton. Your father has spent the last ten minutes talking business with him. He’s quite impressive and rumor says he’s streamlined to become a partner at his law firm.

I thought we didn’t gossip, I quipped, forgetting to keep my thoughts to myself. My mother’s lips pursed in instant annoyance. This was becoming quite the evening—first, flirting with Oliver and now this.

Mother continued talking as though I hadn’t just questioned her. He’d be a good catch for either of you girls, but I’m thinking about you, Liberty. Andrew may be just what you need.

I knew what her last comment was code for. She considered my talking with Oliver an act of rebellion, one she planned on squashing immediately. I was used to the parade of different suitors, used to being showcased like prized cattle. Looking around the large room for my father, I saw him talking with a young man.

Andrew wasn’t anything special to look at—average height, build, and appearance. He wore his black hair short and tidy, unlike Oliver, whose more contemporary style made him sexy. Andrew looked like a younger, carbon copy version of my dad. They even wore the same colored charcoal suit and white shirt.

Great, I inwardly sighed. "Heaven forbid I find love on my own."

Who said anything about love? What you need is stability, Liberty Montgomery, and a man who can provide you with the lifestyle you’re accustomed to. You need financial stability, good breeding, and strong moral fiber. Love has nothing to do with finding the right husband. Now sit up straight. He’s looking over here.

I did what I was told, correcting my posture as my mother chastised me. Nothing was ever right with her, especially the secret wish I’d unfortunately revealed. Whereas my family was all about appearance and maintaining their position on the social ladder, I longed for something simpler—more meaningful. I wanted love. The kind that overshadows everything. The type that transforms you into something bigger, better. And I craved it almost as much as I craved a life of my own.

Excuse me, I have your drinks. Oliver returned and I immediately broke my gaze away from Andrew to stare up at him.

I could easily fall in love with you, I thought. You would be perfect for me.

Watching as he placed a martini down in front of Erica, I was surprised when he set something by my hand. It was another glass filled with sparkling water, but this time with small raspberries added.

It gives it a nice flavor, Oliver said, showing me another grin before winking. My eyes widened at the revelation that he had done that for me and I shyly returned his smile.

Thank you. I’ve never tried it this way.

My mother coughed, pulling my attention away from Oliver and by force of habit, I straightened in my seat. Embarrassed, my head dropped toward my lap and he moved away. I wanted to call him back.

I didn’t know what it was about him, but he oozed of one thing—freedom.

See what I mean? Erica retorted, sarcastically.

I forced myself not to respond or follow Oliver’s retreating form. Pretending the situation held no importance, I reached for the fresh glass, my attention returning to Andrew. He was laughing at something my father said, flashing his overly white teeth in the process. When he looked over to where we were sitting, our eyes connected for a brief moment. Tilting his head in greeting, I nodded in reply, the glass rim touching my lips.

Liberty Jane. The use of my middle name caused me to freeze mid sip.

Yes?

Without another word, my mother took my raspberry flavored water and handed me my previous glass. She didn’t need to say anything, the message was clear—she knew best and even the smallest change wasn’t acceptable.

I caught glimpses of Oliver during the rest of the night, but he didn’t approach me again.

Just as well, I sighed when the fundraiser was finally over. But I knew I was lying to myself. Meeting Oliver had sparked something within me—a taste of what I’d been missing.

I just hoped it wasn’t the last time I saw him.

Chapter Two

You look beautiful tonight, Liberty. It was hard not to roll my eyes at Andrew. Ever since we’d been introduced, each compliment he paid me felt somehow insincere. I was sure there were others who’d love being sweet-talked by a successful, young lawyer. I just wasn’t one of them.

Thank you, I answered, not even looking over at him. He grabbed my hand, surprising me with how forward he was. Instantly, I plastered on a smile for show, and buried the overwhelming instinct to pull away. My mother was somewhere in the large room, no doubt watching and evaluating my every move so she could dissect it later, in one of her infamous discussions. My being here with Andrew meant way more to her than it did me.

Would you dance with me? I wanted to laugh because even though he posed it as a question, we both knew I had no choice. It felt like all eyes were on me, and I couldn’t be seen refusing anything from the highly desirable bachelor.

Sure, that would be nice. The picture of graceful manners, I let him help me stand and didn’t flinch when he placed his hand possessively at the small of my back. Leading us to the makeshift dance floor, he swung me into his arms, holding me way too close for my liking.

Erica had been furious two weeks ago when both my parents had declared they were pairing Andrew and I together. Being a few years older, she felt entitled to be the first one married. I tried convincing her she could have him, he was definitely not my type, but it resulted in a look of derision from both her and my mother.

What do you mean ‘not your type’? Since when do you have ‘a type’? You will date whomever your father and I tell you to, my mother shrilled. In the privacy of our home, she had no problem voicing her extreme displeasure with me.

I don’t know that I have one. I just know Andrew isn’t it. There was no point adding that I knew this because he was basically a younger version of my father. As much as I loved my dad, I didn’t want to be married and thoroughly controlled by someone who would dictate my every move. It was only an assumption, on my part, that Andrew was like that. I didn’t have hard evidence, but my gut told me he was.

Dancing with him now, I knew without a doubt. If I married Andrew, like my mother was hoping, he would stifle whatever small pieces of hope for freedom I held in my heart. He would completely smother me.

It was hard not to push against his chest now, putting some much needed distance between us. He held me as if he already owned me, a strong signal to everyone in the room that given time, I would become his Liberty Hampton. His hand on my lower back felt wrong. His breath in my ear before he spun me around the dance floor made my stomach churn. The way he groaned disapprovingly when I accidently stepped on his toes made me want to scream. Instead, I endured. I smiled widely, even though inside he bored me to tears.

I bet dancing with Oliver would be different than this. For what seemed like the millionth time since I’d last seen him, my mind conjured up his image and instantly my stomach fluttered. Oliver had become the near constant focus of my daydreams and fantasies.

Liberty? Andrew’s baritone intruded my thoughts.

Yes? I looked up and noticed his frown. I’d obviously missed something and he wasn’t impressed by my lack of attention. Did you say something?

I asked if you’d like to have dinner with me this week. Your mother was telling me how much you love Italian, so I thought you might like going to that new restaurant, Fiorelli’s, that just opened up. It’s getting great reviews. What do you think?

Thanks, but no thanks. I’d love to, was all I could say.

My lackluster response didn’t faze him. Excellent. I’ll have my assistant call you on Monday and set it all up. You’ll just love it. They make a delicious mushroom risotto that I can’t wait for you to try. Andrew touched the side of my cheek, his finger trailing down to my jawline before settling on my lower back again.

I wanted to stomp on his foot. Even though my parents did it all the time, people choosing my food was a big pet peeve of mine; and the fact that he wanted me to eat mushrooms just further irritated me. However, instead of telling him they made me ill, I bit my tongue and simply nodded. It was moments like these where being brave enough to run and never return was so tempting. But my parents would be so disappointed. The scandal my rebellion would cause would undoubtedly fuel my guilt for a lifetime.

Tilting my head as I plastered on yet another fake smile, I tried to make my response sound at least somewhat sincere. I can’t wait, Andrew. Italian food is delicious. One day I want to actually tour the Italian countryside and sample all their local cuisines.

Really? I would think you’d want to keep your dainty figure. Andrew laughed, twirling me under his arm before grasping me tightly again. Rich foods are good in moderation but . . . He released me so his gaze could trail up and down my body. I can’t imagine what vacationing in Italy would do to you.

I didn’t even bother hiding my snort. I wasn’t really thinking of my body. I simply want to go for the experience. To immerse myself in a different culture and live the way they do. Even if it’s for a short time.

Judging by the frown that was back on his face, I’d shared

Reviews for Loving Liberty

[obsessed7by7books · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is definitely worth the read. If you need something different from the normal, fun loving romance reads then this is the book for you

What we have is a dark, very emotional read and Belinda has outdone herself with this book.

You will find that once you start reading you will not be able to put it down until you have finished.

[merisha_abbott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book for a honest review~~
Loving Liberty by Belinda Boring

This book is AMAZING!!! I have read all the books this author has written so far and this is the best. I connected on a deep level with this book. I have some experiences that was similar to some she went through. It made it hard to put this book down. A friend of mine told me to have a box of tissues ready and she wasn't kidding. This book hit home for me. I bawled this book. This book is an emotional ride that had me engrossed in it til the very end. I loved this book and will read it again and again. It has helped me overcome somethings I still am facing by staying strong and taking baby steps. The writing is amazing like all the author's other books. I am riveted to see what the author will surprise me with next. One thing I know for sure I will become one of this author's stalkers and get any and all the books she comes out with next. I'm honored that I had a chance to read this ARC.