Riley jumped at the sound of Hunter's voice. Her eyes shot to mine and I could see Hunter's presence bothers her more than I understand. I swear she's freaked over Hunter knowing about me tutoring her. I get it's a coincidence that the girl I end up saving from Bast at that first party is my cousin's roommate but it's not a big deal, not yet anyway.

"Hey! I said what's going on? Damn it Aiden, don't tell me you're hitting on Riley!?" There was a warning tone in Hunter's voice that made me shift so my balls were out of her reach. She's a pistol just like her mom. A hot head and when she gets a mad on, it's scary. I've even seen Blake cringe when Emma gets pissed off.

"No! I..." Looking at Riley and then back to Hunter I know I need to find a way to explain this carefully so I don't piss off Hunter or hurt Riley. "Hunter..." Reaching for her, I make sure to keep her at arm's length. Resting my palms on her shoulders I look her in the eyes. "Riley is the girl I've been tutoring the past few weeks. I found her the night of that first party and Bast was hitting on. He drugged her and I got her away from him."

"Aiden..." Riley quietly pleaded with me to shut up. I don't see why, I've done nothing wrong.

Her eyes darted to Riley, who looked away from me quickly and at her feet. She's not helping me here. "Is that true, Riley? Aiden's been tutoring you?? But you're telling me now that he took care of you after the party? You said you went right back to the dorm." Hunter asks, getting a slow nod from her. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Look, I didn't know she was your roommate. Hunter this all happened very innocently, I swear. I'm TA for her Criminal Law class, Riley was struggling to keep up. It just happened." I'm telling the truth minus the kiss. That will possibly make Hunter freak.

It's not like much has actually happened beyond studying. I kissed her, that's not a huge deal. I've kissed lots of girls I haven't slept with. And I'm not sleeping with Riley, yet. This way it's all out in the open and I can pursue Riley the right way without worrying about Hunter. If she doesn't like it, well I'll have to convince Hunter it's all okay.

Riley looks so uncomfortable with all this. I doubt the girls have explained our history so she's probably afraid of what's going to happen. Shit! I need time to talk to her. I need just a private moment with Riley to calm her down and let her know that this isn't her fault.

But she's taking steps away from us. Her arms covering her neck with a modesty that so many girls at this party have none of. Yeah, Riley is totally uncomfortable with this. It's a nice fall night out. Not really cold but still a cool breeze in the full moon light. But Riley has her arms wrapped so tightly around herself and looks like she's freezing.

"Riley, you lied to me, why? I know Aiden can be a jerk but he'd never let someone get drugged or hurt at a party. None of the guys would." Hunter gives Riley that look I've seen many times over the years.

The one thing Hunter hates is lies. She can forgive most anything. And I know from experience that she's an extremely forgiving person. But she won't trust someone who lies to her. For good reason, she got screwed over in high school and was lied to. The girl was her best friend and she lied over and over, stuck under her web of lies, Hunter caught on with a little help from yours truly and hung her up by her ankles leaving her swaying in the wind. Hunter walked and swore it wouldn't happen again. So she sticks with the family and keeps others at arm's length.

"I didn't know what you'd do. You took me to that party and I... I didn't know what to do... I didn't know what you'd think of me... I didn't mean to hurt you, it just happened." Riley stuttered out. Her hand sliding up and down her arm soothing herself. "Then Aiden ended up as my tutor and then I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm so sorry, Hunter...."

"And we gave you a hard time when you came over." Harper's voice behind me breaks off her as he steps forward and wraps Riley in his arms. "We won't hurt you, sweetheart. Shit, you must think we're all a bunch of horny jerks!"

"Aren't you?" Emery's smart ass comment at her brother has the rest chuckle to themselves in agreement. Turning to Riley, she rubs her hand up and down Riley's arm. "You thought we'd stand by Sebastian? He's the worst of the worst, believe me, Colby's been there and these guys that live here, the ones in this house, they aren't like him. I promise you, we won't judge you for something he did."

Riley bites down on her lip and looks over at Hunter. The sincere apology in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. If I had known that Aiden was your..."

Hunter steps closer to Riley and her eyes go wide. I don't know what she's expecting but tenderness from Hunter isn't it. Riley goes white and stiff as a board when Hunter pulls her into a hard hug. The uncomfortable way Riley pats Hunter's back tells me she's not used to anyone touching her. She was the same way with me when we first started studying together.

"No, Riley you don't owe me an apology, I understand. We're overwhelming and pushy. I wasn't listening when you tried to tell me you didn't want to go. I should apologize to you, not the other way around." Hunter releases her. Stepping back she takes Riley's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm glad Aiden was here for you. Just use a sledgehammer on me next time I try to push you. Now, come on. Let's enjoy ourselves."

Hunter has a way of pushing people, of not listening to anyone and getting her way. She's doing it again as she takes hold of Riley and guides her back to the house. Riley looks over at me, a pleading look in her eyes to help her out this. Normally, I would step in but in this case, I want the same thing Hunter does.

So I let Hunter have her way.

We head back into the house, music blasting, bodies grinding, drinks pouring and the party hasn't missed a beat. As we move through the crowd, we split up with Hunter and Emery going out back, Colby, Sawyer and Landon head back to the bar and Riley stands by the stairs looking in both directions not sure which way to go.

Bodies bump into her sending her back into my chest and bumping off me. "Sorry. Aiden, I..."

Her head is swiveled to the side looking up at me, her back laying back against my chest. My hands rest on her hips and I smirk down at her. I've got her to myself again and I'm good with this. Keeping hold of her my arms slide around her waist and pull her tight. My length wedged firmly against the top of her ass. A great little perk of this moment.

"Dance with me, Riley." My lips press against her ear as I speak. Moving both of us into the group of people in the middle of the room, staying in our current position, I nudge her hips to one side then the other. "Just move to the music. Close your eyes and feel the music. Relax, I've got you."

Riley looks so innocent and sweet looking up at me. Those deep depths reflect the shimmering lights like a dark sea. Her hands rest on top of mine as if to make sure I don't go anywhere and then her body leans into mine, her head falls back on my shoulder and those entrancing eyes close over. Those curves against my angles move to the beat and she puts her trust in me to keep her safe.

God this is sexy

Her butt rubs against my crotch, with each sway of her hips that brush of contact sets my body on fire. I feel myself growing harder. Christ, she feels so good in this position. My lips touch the sleek line of Riley's neck.

My voice thick with need growls against her skin. "Fuck....Riley..."

She's driving me crazy and she doesn't even know it. I have to get my mind off getting in her pants. Keeping her in my arms, my eyes scan the room. There are eyes watching us all around. The guys at the bar are eyeing up Riley, pissing me off that they think looking at her this way is okay. It's not, she's not like that. Glancing over at the stairs, I see the redhead that's been chasing me, she's fuming mad glaring at us. Shit, that's not a good thing.

Riley shifts stepping back as someone bumps her and her little body molds completely against mine. Every inch of her is tucked into mine. I can keep her from getting trampled on, no one usually bumps me unless they're trying for my attention. Tonight that's not going to work.

My attention is in one place only and that's on the girl in my arms. Her little body rubs off mine sending all kinds of weird static over my skin. The smell of her hair fills my nostrils and I rush to inhale her again. It's like a desperate attempt to have more of her but my control to not push is limited and I want this girl bad.

When I see a few guy's talking on the couch, eye fucking Riley so openly it's perverse. What's worse, pushing it further by remarks that even I can hear several feet away about what they'd like to do to her, push me over the edge. No way is that okay with me.

Spinning Riley around to face me, my lips are on hers fast. In a deep needy kiss, that's a lot more potent than I thought it would be, my fingers lace into her hair and I ravage her lips, dipping in, savoring her taste. I can't believe how I'm so affected by her response to me. She kissed me back with the same need I have for her.

Pulling back in a dazed shock, all we do is stare at each other. My body is filled with this power from that kiss. It's like I'm filled with lightning swirling around inside of me. I dressed up for Halloween as Thor but fuck if I don't feel like the god of lightning right now.

Glancing over at the knit wits on the couch, I see the three stooges sitting there, the smart ass remarks have ceased. Their eyes shift away uncomfortably, looking away when they know I've seen them, I heard them and I've made my point. Riley is off limits to these fuckers and every other douche on campus.

"Aiden, please stop!" Her voice trembles as her hand pushes against my chest, but I don't let go. I keep her close resting my forehead on hers.

"I'm saving your ass, Riley. Trust me, please. I'll explain upstairs." Staring into those chestnut eyes I hope she's listening to me. "Come up so we can talk, please."

"You have a girlfriend, Aiden! I'm not like that! Nothing has changed with us." She's breaking my heart here. I thought we settled this outside.

"Riley, there's a group of guys over there on the couch. They're talking a lot of shit about what they want to do to you. I'm trying to make my point that you aren't on the market. I'm trying to help you." My cheek is against hers as I explain this to her.

Her eyes darted to mine and her body tensed up. It bothers her to be seen this way, I know it. "I'm not going to your room. I'm leaving, I'm sorry."

The look on her face tells me that she means it. She really is sorry about leaving or not coming to my room or whatever but she feels bad. I nod and walk her back out the front door and down the drive. We don't talk but I keep walking with her down the street. Keeping my eyes on where we are and a closer eye on Riley.

"You don't have to go with me. I know my way home." She breaks the silence as we cross the street.

"I know but I need some fresh air." I smile amorously at her. "You know, I just realized I know where you live now. I can come visit you anytime I want."

"No!" Pointing her finger at me like I'm a child, Riley stops fast turning to face me. Her face is so serious and damn it, so passionate about putting me in my place. "Aiden no! We can't... you can't. Girlfriend remember? I won't do that to anyone."

Girlfriend! Some girlfriend. Leighton just wants me as eye candy and to pay for whatever she wants to do. "She doesn't talk to me like you do or has even the slightest interest in the things I like. She's got no interest in anything but what serves her purpose. I'm done with being a bitch for her! I'm telling you Riley, that relationship is over."

"You're being pretty hard on her, aren't you? I mean, I know she loves you. There has to be a reason why you got together in the first place. I'm sure you can find that again, no matter what has happened between you." Riley has a positive attitude about my relationship with Leighton without knowing her at all. I wonder what exactly the girls have told her.

"That's not the way I see it." Grumbling, I shove my hands into my pockets just to keep them to myself. Riley reminding me that I'm taken is really frustrating. I wish the girls never told her about it. "Look, that relationship is over Riley, it's a technicality now. A couple of words that might sting initially but it's for the best for both of us, believe me."

She nods and starts walking again. I don't get it. Most girls don't care if I have a girlfriend. They aren't worried about someone who's on the other side of the country. Leighton doesn't come visit. I can barely get her here for the holidays and that's only if she knows we're going to some big New Years events. Riley is nothing like any girl I know.

"Why?" I have to ask the question. I need to know why I'm getting nowhere with her.

"Why what?" Riley blinks up at me like my question is out of the blue.

"There's not a girl on this campus that I can't get. Any girl but you. So why aren't you willing to give me a chance?" She just looks at me like I'm being absurd. Like what I want is so outlandish to ask.

"Hunter's my roommate. I can see you don't understand morals but really this is ridiculous. I won't be the woman you cheat with and I won't hurt Hunter. I can get myself home, Aiden. I'm sure there are plenty of other girls willing to give you a chance." Riley turns away from me and starts to walk before she stops and looks sadly back at me. "I think you could be a good person, Aiden... but once a cheater, always a cheater. I don't want to be hurt that way."

My mouth falls open and I can't say anything to stop her. My chest hurts so bad and my heart is pounding. Riley hit me right over the head with her righteousness and I deserved it. For the last couple years, Blake has warned me that I'd find a girl that would put me in my place and when she did, I'd regret every stupid thing I've done.

Well congrats Uncle Blake, you nailed it on the head.

Riley walks away from me with her head down. She doesn't like this anymore than I do. But I'm stuck. Everything Riley said was on target. I'm a cheater. Ever since I started college I've reveled in my own popularity with the women here.

I'm a Bradford , Blake Bradford's nephew. The next generation of The Dual Threat. I should know better than to not see the dangers of being in this position but I don't think I ever saw that I would be in this position. I don't think I ever thought that there would be that one woman who would walk away from me. I don't think I ever thought I could hurt like this.

She might be walking away but that doesn't mean I will. I can't let her go alone. We're too far from the house to get the girls or one of the guys to take her home. I know Riley won't let me walk her now. So I do the only thing I can to keep her safe.

I keep back far enough that Riley doesn't know I'm following her, but close enough I can see that she gets home safely. Then as the exterior door closes to the building behind her, I turn away, my head hung down and trudge back towards the house.

Her words echo in my head. Once a cheater always a cheater. Is this really how she thinks of me? That I can't change? That I can't be a better man? Is this who I am? The image that I'm stuck with?

My family knows me. They know I'm not this horrible untrustworthy person. That's what I feel like right now. I've let Riley down, shit I've let Leighton down and myself. All because I don't have the feelings I once did for Leighton, and I didn't have the balls to tell her I want out.

Now I'm losing someone that has made me feel that electric pulse I've always looked for. What have I done?

I don't want people. I don't want company, family or friends. They aren't what I need or will help me with this one. I want a bottle of whiskey and my bed. I want to forget the conversation with Riley and not think about those words that cut me in two. I don't want to think at all tonight. I just want to forget everything.

By the time I reach the house, the guys are out front looking around like they lost something. Or someone, in this case. Sawyer marches up to me first ready to lay into me for disappearing, from the look on his face. "Hey! Where've you been? Riley's gone missing again and..."

"She's home... safe. I just followed her there." Interrupting Sawyer I give him a brief nod then shift to walk past him into the house and up the stairs. I just need to get past the crowd inside. I have my own liquor stash in my room for when I want to be alone.

I can hear the footsteps behind me and as I look back at my family, I ignore the calls of my name, pleas to talk to them. I can't face them. Not saying a word, I head up to my room and lock the door. I'll get knocks and calls but I'm locked in until morning or afternoon depending. I've got no interest in any company when I can't even stand myself at the moment.

It wasn't long before Sawyer and the guys were knocking on my door. They offered an ear even a girl or two if I wanted. I don't. The redhead made several passes by my door knocking softly, calling sweetly as if she could pull that off. She kept it up and one of the guys got her to leave each time.

It was a few hours later and I'd drank a good portion of the bottle when Hunter knocked. She called my name, pleaded guiltily for an answer, apologized for screwing things up even though it's not her fault. I did this. There's no one to blame but me.

"Don't be a baby, Aiden! Open up! You know the rule, no drinking alone! You pinky promised!" She called through the door to me.

That was an agreement we made five years ago. One we made more for her than me. I made it to keep her safe, her first party was that night. I was protecting her. It wasn't meant to apply to me.

She would remember that!

Dragging my already well liquored up ass off the bed and stumbling to the door, I leaned against the wall for support and fumbled with the lock before I could figure out how to open it up. My fingers felt fat and heavy, my head was spinning in a tea cups at Disney kind of way making me a little sick to my stomach when I'd move. Closing my eyes I take some deep breaths trying to keep the contents of my stomach down.

Wobbly, I stand up and rake my fingers through my hair. With bloodshot eyes I struggle again to work the lock. When I opened the door, Hunter took one look at my pathetic ass and sighed. The bright light of the hall shines in causing me to squint my eyes and cover them with my hand.

Hunter takes pity on me. "Oh, Aiden. What did you do?"

She stepped into the room, closing the door, flipping the lock so no one else would see. I'm a private person when it comes to my feelings. I keep a lot bottled up and I don't share when I'm hurt. But then again, I've never felt like this. Wrapping her arm around my waist, she helped me back to the bed and settled against the headboard next to me.

"What happened?" Her voice is quiet in the hushed silence of the darkened room.