Fiery Freedom

By Crimson Nuage

Steven Roberts is a budding author based in Vancouver, Canada. When attending an author's conference in Phoenix, Arizona he is kidnapped by his #1 fan, Freedom Topaz with the intent of starting a romantic relationship with him.

While he is apprehensive about the notion at first, the couple embark on a relationship that is unlike anything Steven had ever experienced, with a few twists along the way.

In the end, Steven will learn that Freedom is unlike any woman he's been with, and questions whether she is "The One".

**WARNING** This book is intended for mature audiences, and is recommended for those 18+

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas J. McLeod
• Release date: Sep 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781524266318

Book preview

WARNING:

This book is an erotic romance, intended for adults only.

If you are not age 18+, you may not be the intended audience of this book.

If you are not of age and continue, it is with full knowledge and consent that this book may offend you, or be age inappropriate.

I know I’ll get flack from borrowing this description from the talented Violet Haze, but the way I see it, why reword perfection? LOL

ENJOY, EVERYBODY!

CHAPTER ONE

12:05 P.M., SKY HARBOR Airport, Phoenix, Arizona.

My flight from Vancouver arrived a few minutes late. Surprisingly, it made up plenty of time in the air as we were late taking off from Vancouver International Airport. I wasn’t a morning person to begin with; having to trek across the city to make the plane in the wee hours of the day was a challenge, but I was eager to make it.

An invitation to a romance author expo was what enticed me to make the trek to the desert. It would be my first trip to the Grand Canyon State in over 20 years. While I had visited a different part of the state back then, I thought this would give me the opportunity to see the sights, and possibly buy some merchandise for my roommate. He was harping on me to buy him a Coyotes jersey ever since he found out I was coming to Phoenix. I assured him it would depend on my schedule, but I would do my best to obtain one for him.

After I picked up my luggage, I walked out to the throng of people waiting. Most of them were people waiting for loved ones who were on the flight; others were there on various business matters. I was content with hailing a cab to my hotel when I saw a driver holding a sign that read Simmons. I was flattered. The Expo was courteous enough to hire a car to drive me into the city. I walked up to the driver and introduced myself.

Are you F. W. Simmons? the driver asked.

Yes, that’s me, I said. Are you here to take me to the hotel?

Yes, sir; the car is waiting for you outside.

Thank you. I have to admit, I didn’t expect there to be a car waiting for me when I landed.

We wanted to make sure no expense was spared for your trip, Mr. Simmons. The hosts have been eagerly anticipating your arrival.

I thought, Eagerly anticipating my arrival? That’s out of whack. I didn’t think I was worth all of this trouble. Yes, my first romance novel was a surprise hit – an accomplishment that overwhelmed me – however, to be in demand after writing one book was startling. I should have noticed the warning signs, but being the naive person I can be, I decided to let things run their course.

I loaded my luggage into the back of the limo and took a seat in the spacious back. I stretched out my legs and enjoyed what I believed would be a short ride. After being in the sardine can of an airline seat for a few hours, which included a layover in Denver, but this was a chance to relax for a bit. Things seemed to have been going alright, but I noticed the looming skyline of downtown Phoenix fading in the difference.

Excuse me, driver, I asked. Are you sure this is the way to the Hilton?

Oh, I’m not taking you to the Hilton, Mr. Simmons, the driver said. You’re having a private audience with Miss Topaz.

Beads of nervous sweat formed on my flesh. I began to wonder if the Expo was all a ruse to get me down to Phoenix. I wasn’t appearing amongst fellow writers, I was being kidnapped; all for the pleasure of one Miss Topaz. I had no idea where I was in the Valley of the Sun when the car stopped.

It seemed like I was miles away from my believed hotel. The limo door opened and the limo driver barged in carrying a rag. He smothered me with the cloth and I detected the odor of chloroform. I attempted to fight back, but the scent was overpowering. I faded into unconsciousness; unaware of where I would end up next. Whoever this Miss Topaz was, she wasn’t going to take any chances. She wanted me present for some reason. I just didn’t know what it was.

CHAPTER TWO

WAKEY WAKEY, MR. SIMMONS, a feminine voice said.

I awoke in what appeared to be an empty room. I thought it might have been a warehouse, but I didn’t see any boxes or skids full of merchandise. I went to rub my eyes, but could not move my hands. I wrenched my back and found myself sitting in a chair with my wrists tied behind the back of it. Whoever did this didn’t want me to escape. I was still in a fog over the events of my current predicament; then, my memory cleared and it came to me, Miss Topaz.

Did you have a nice nap, Mr. Simmons? the voice asked again.

Alright, I said, I don’t know who you are, or why the hell you have me tied up here, but at least give me the chance to see what kind of monster you are.

Very well; I’ve waited a long time to see you. It’s only fair that you meet me.

I heard the clack of heels on the floor, and I swallowed hard at the thought of meeting my captor.

Why was I being held? What did they want with me? The questions circled my mind, and the concern I had was the possibility of never seeing my apartment ever again. I would not be able to utilize the season tickets for my beloved Lions who were slated to start their upcoming season at B.C. Place Stadium in a few weeks. Heck, I wouldn’t be able to drink another Timmy’s coffee; a beverage near to my heart, and one that reminds me of my native land.

The individual revealed themselves, and I had to admit, I was surprised. Standing before me was a demur woman. She stood 5’7", and had her strawberry-blonde hair pulled back into a bun. Perched on the bridge of her nose was a pair of blue-framed glasses, which concealed her hazel-coloured eyes. She was a little on the stocky side, but was tastefully dressed in black pants, a red camisole, and black blazer.

So, you’re Miss Topaz? I asked.

Yes, I am, Mr. Simmons, she said. Or, should I say, Steven Roberts.

My eyes grew as big as saucers. No one knew my real name, save for my closest friends. I had created my pen name, ‘F. W. Simmons’, as homage to my late great uncle who passed away weeks before I commenced writing my romance novel. I didn’t suspect any of my fans to find out my secret.

How do you know my real name?

"I’ve been a fan of yours ever since My Maritime Man was listed online. The way you showed the passion between Maggie and Thomas; it spoke to me, and I just had to find out everything about you."

I thought, Oh lovely, I have an obsessed fan. I had heard about certain celebrities having stalkers and fans who would do anything to be close to them. However, most of them wrote demented fan letters, or set up shop outside of their gated residences. These celebrities made millions of dollars for the movies and television shows they act in. I, on the other hand, had nothing of the sort. I lived in a humble 2-bedroom hi-rise apartment on the 9th floor with my friend and roommate of the past 7 years. All I’ve done with my life is scribe one romance novel, and yet, I’ve attracted this one crazed fan because of it. Either I didn’t know the power of my prose, or they breed a special kind of crazy in the Southwestern U.S.

Look, Miss Topaz, I said, while I’m flattered, don’t you think this is too much? I’ve only written one book.

That’s a lie, and you know it, she accused. I know you’ve written a series of mystery novels.

Okay, you got me there, I said. "I am the guy behind the Peter Scrivens series, but they’re not as successful as Maritime Man is."

"Not now, but when word gets out that F. W. Simmons and Steven V. Roberts are the same person, it might boost the sales of them; just look at The Bluebird’s Tweet."

It was true: the detective thriller penned by Jerome Garces didn’t have much success initially. However, when it was discovered by the press that Jerome Garces was a pen name for the world renowned author, J.P. Levesque, the sales for The Bluebird’s Tweet skyrocketed. It became the surprise hit of the summer, and earned a new stream of royalties for the Jeanette Fisher author.

Okay, so I might earn a few dollars more, I said. But, I don’t see why that leads to you kidnapping me, and tying me up.

Oh, you don’t understand, Steven, she said. I know you’ve been working hard in getting your books released to the public, but I you might want to relax and take it easy for a bit.

’Might want to relax’? You have me tied to a chair here. How the fuck am I going to relax like this?

Miss Topaz shied away and started to cry. My outburst had upset her feelings and she began to feel down on herself.

She fought back the tears, I’m sorry. I just wanted to meet you, and show you how much joy you’ve brought into my life. I only wanted to return the favour.

My heart sank. While I was not too keen on my current situation, I felt for her.

I sighed, Look, Miss Topaz, I don’t mean to upset you. It’s just I came down here, thinking I was going to an author expo, and meet some of my fans. But, kidnapping me probably wasn’t the best way to jump to the front of the line.

But, I had to see you, she bawled. I didn’t know if you would ever come to Phoenix? I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to show you how you make me feel by making you feel just as good.

I didn’t know if or when I could have in the first place. It took a lot of balls on my part to fly here from Vancouver in the first place. I’m a pretty shy guy to begin with. Aside from the signings and appearances, I probably would have just kept to myself, or stayed in my room most of the time. If I did run into any fans outside of the official events, it might be when I ventured down to the bar for a drink.

But, I didn’t want you hanging out with a bunch of fans and authors. I just want it to be you and me, alone together.

Okay, let’s take it down a few notches, okay? I’ve never been to Phoenix before, so I don’t know where to go or what to do around here. And since we’re on the subject, you don’t know much about me either; save for what’s on my blog and Wikipedia page. For all you know, right now, I could be some deranged Canadian who might wind up being Dexter Morgan’s next victim.

I know you’re not like that. You seem like a good man with a loving heart. You write like you know a lot about love, but have been hurt in the past. I thought I could show you that loving someone for the right reasons is possible.

I thought about it for a minute. Did this fan say she loved me? How could that be possible? Just by a few books and interviews I’ve given? Either there was something considerably lacking in her life or her elevator didn’t go all the way to the top floor. I was in a bind and I didn’t know what to do. I guess that is why I threw caution to the wind, and uttered my response.

Alright then, Miss Topaz, I said, I’ll play along. What do you suggest we do while you have me in your clutches?

Miss Topaz turned to me, walked up to the chair I was tied to, knelt down and wrapped her arms around me in a loving embrace. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but for the time being, her hug gave me a little assurance that she meant me no harm, but I still had my reservations.

CHAPTER THREE

MISS TOPAZ WHISPERED into my ear, I want you to feel loved and adored like Maggie adored Thomas.

And, how do you intend to do that?

I understand you like watching a certain old TV series.

That depends. There are many TV series I like.

"What about the one called, Southward Bound?"

I blinked in astonishment. How did she know about this?

That is my favourite TV series of all-time.

It’s one of my favourites, too. I thought we could watch an episode or two together.

I haven’t watched SB in months. I’d love to watch a couple episodes.

"I thought we could watch the ones I’ve pre-selected for the two of us; unless you have any

favourites you’d like to see."

I have no problems with that; however, if you must know, my two favourites are ones that have music by my favourite singer, Bethany Lawrence, in them.

Then, we’ll watch a couple of the ones her songs are in. I was thinking ‘The Present of the Driver’, is that okay with you?

A smile crept upon my face. Miss Topaz was playing to all of my favourites, and she knew it.

"That has my second favourite song of hers, ‘Radiant Heat’. They used it during a heated car chase in the episode. The one where a former love of the main characters shows up and causes him emotional trauma, ‘Regina’s Past’, features my favourite song