Page 1 of The Arrogant's Surrender

PROLOGUE

The Past

Whoosh. . . Whoosh . . .

The wind embraces me like powerful claws, making even my bones ache.

The morning cold cuts into my skin, and the tears on my cheeks feel like tiny shards of ice.

"Run! Don’t stop running. Don’t look back,"I hear her voice urging me as I flee.

Even though I want to take her with me, I know I must obey her command because I can feel her urgency, and I’m certain that if I stop,they’llcatch me.

So, even as the soles of my feet burn from the impact against the asphalt, I don’t stop.

My lungs are on fire, and breathing is almost unbearable, but still, I run.

And I keep running.

Will they take her away? What now? Who will protect me? Who will protect her?

"Run!"

I’m so tired, but I’m a good runner. She always said that. She seemed proud of me, smiling as she’d say,"No one is faster than you, Athanasios. You’re my champion. It’s all in your head. If your mind says you can, nothing will stop you."

Nothing will stop me. I won’t stop.

Whoosh . . . Whoosh . . .

I keep challenging the wind as it pushes my skinny, almost-naked body backward.

I don’t know how long I’ve been running, but all I can focus on is her voice repeating,"You’re my champion. It’s all in your head. If your mind says you can, nothing will stop you."

I know I need to keep hearing her voice because it’s my only chance to escape.

Her voice encourages me, makes me brave.

I’m a champion.

Am I really a champion?

Yes, I am.

And also a superhero.

Unstoppable.

Athanasios

CHAPTER ONE

Thirty Years Later

NEW YORK

I’m gettingready to leave the hospital after a twelve-hour shift when my phone rings. I consider not answering, as all I want to do to wrap up this day is have sex and then enjoy a good night’s sleep—alone.

However, the name flashing on the screen stops me from ignoring the call.

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