Through every stage of his life, Aiden’s sole focus was material. But now, as the men charge at him with raised weapons, yelling in heavy Italian accents, few things he’d done in his life would matter more than locking his princess away.
She’s safe, hidden away from the world.
Nothing else matters to him.
A shot rings out.
He waited for the pain and when it came, he welcomed it. For he was at peace with his demise. Now, they will leave his girl alone, his family and friends alone.
For I, a damned man, will walk through hell for eternity, breathing in the fire of the burning scenery I will endure for endless days. Surrounded by the damned like me.
The thought angered him, as red blood seeped on the cool concrete ground.
She’s always with me. When I go, I don’t want to bring her, even in thought, to such a wretched place.
As blood pours from his body, a slight pressure builds up against his ribs. Looking through hazed eyes, he sees a set of unfamiliar eyes, waving a gun in his face. Trying to focus his foggy mind, the image in front of him becomes clearer in the chaotic scene.
A man is holding pressure to his wound, clearly irritated as he yells at another unfamiliar stranger beside him. “Cazzo idiota, la sua gamba! Gli ho detto che la sua gamba sanguinerà prima che lo portiamo dove deve andare. Il capo avrà la nostra fottuta testa!”
You fucking idiot, his leg! I said his leg, he’ll bleed out before we get him where he needs to go. The boss will have our fucking head!
He scoffs, not worried. Aiden knows where this is going, and it will only end one way. He’ll be dead, and order will return to the world. Howard and Ricky know the protocol, so he doesn’t need to worry about Emilia looking for him.
The world around him faded in and out of darkness, his body growing heavy. His clock is running out.
He rescued her, traded her life for his.
He may be a damaged knight, but a knight nonetheless in her eyes.
His yellow rose, though sad and alone, will be safe and sound.
Forever.
END OF BOOK ONE
Acknowledgments
I’ve adored every minute of this process, now it’s time to acknowledge those who made it happen. First and always, thank you to my Wattpad readers. Your passion for Emden has made this happen! You are the reason this book is being published, and I could never properly explain my gratitude for you.
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To my wonderful editor, Cheryl Lim. Thank you for always answering my endless emails and for polishing Aiden to perfection while maintaining my writing style. I could never thank you enough! You can learn more about her work here: gwyneiirabookblog.weebly.com
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My insanely talented book cover designer, Jessica Scott at UniqueCoversBoutique on Etsy. Your patience and skill created the book cover of my dreams. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!
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And finally, to my husband who has listened to me talk about fictional characters for hours on end and supported me in following my dreams. I love you more than words.
About the author
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H.L. Swan is a young twenty-something year old girl who fiercely adores her husband, family, and friends. When she’s not trying to find a way to visit the ocean she enjoys reading, playing games, and writing. Her ultimate joy is engaging with her readers on the writing/reading platform, Wattpad. Where she found herself happily cascading in millions of reads, catapulting her decision to self-publish her first novel ‘Aiden’ along with the sequel ‘Emilia’. Find more of her stories at Wattpad.com/hardinsgirl1
