I had to get away from my family. I'm disappointed, annoyed and disgusted with my uncle. How could he do this? In what way did he think killing Riley's dad was okay? Or even justified? It's not. Murder for any reason isn't a justification for anything.

He was drunk on top of it. That just makes it worse.

I need to clear my head. Going down the steep steps of the cliffs, I hike down to the private beach behind my Grandparents house. We have spent most of our lives here. Family BBQs, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, every excuse to get together, we come here.

It's cool and overcast today. The waves are high, crashing onto sand. White frothy water rushed over my bare feet as I walked along the shoreline. This is my place. I love the water, the sand, the sound and smell of the ocean. It's calming and relaxing, and just what I need after today.

I just want some peace.

Sitting down on a large piece of driftwood, I watch the waves rush toward me and pull away. Over and over, I let the water take my stress away. Digging my toes into the cool wet sand, I take several long deep breaths and feel the knots that have formed in my shoulders, neck and head slowly ease.

I want to escape this crazy ride I've been on this year. I need to talk to my dad. He bought the island for my mom. A romantic wedding gift so they could escape the press, and the crazy world we live in. I've been there many times in my life. From the time I was born, we've vacationed there. I want that serenity now.

The tropical breeze, the crystal clear blue water. Swimming with the fish through the reef, finding shells along the beach. No stress, no responsibilities, no worries. We all need it at some point in our lives.

"I thought I'd find you here." His soft voice brought me out of my thoughts. "You always come down here when you get stressed out. How bad is it?"

Wyatt takes a seat next to me and pulls off his sneakers, socks and digs his toes into the sand. Leaning back on his elbows, he raises his face to the sky and soaks it in.

"Bad, really bad. Poor Riley. She must hate this family. She's had nothing but stress and hate from Adam and Chloe has been no help at all. She should have supported Aiden and his choice but of course she has no spine and refuses to back him or Riley. It fucking ridiculous. I've never hated anyone, even Leighton, but I hate Adam for what he's done." Venting to Wyatt helps. I need to get this off my chest and he asked.

"I don't think you're alone in that feeling. No offense but I'm glad I'm not related to him." Wyatt bumps his shoulder to mine. "You know you can talk to me about everything. It'll stay between us, I promise, Hunter. I won't tell a soul."

Of all of my cousin's friends, Wyatt is the one I trust the most. He doesn't gossip, he keeps to himself, he respects women more than anyone I know. Dillon and Bailey raised an amazing man. One that thinks of me like a sister and he just said it. He doesn't want to be related to this family. I can't blame him. Right now, I don't want to be related to them either.

"I know. Thanks, Wyatt." Watching the waves roll up the sand, we sat in silence.

"Aiden loves her, you know." I murmur more to myself than to Wyatt. "He was so upset when he realized she wasn't at the game for him, it screwed up his head, messed with his focus. Williams took advantage of his distraction and Aiden paid the price. He might not have a football career now. What's that going to do to his relationship with Riley?"

"She wasn't at fault for his injuries, Hunter. Aiden knows that. He also feels guilty for getting angry with her for not being there. He understands why she wasn't. If nothing else, Riley will help keep him balanced. He's going to be so focused on helping her through this with her dad's death and Adam's involvement with it, he'll work it out. And Matt is working his ass off to find him a team. If anyone can get this fixed, it's Matt." Wyatt makes a good point. "Riley means everything to Aiden. He feels like shit because of Adam's bull. He's a good guy. He's going to do everything to keep her."

"I know that. You see it because you're just like Aiden." Turning my head, I finally met Wyatt's eyes. "You're one of the good guys too, Wyatt."

The wind gusts, blowing my hair into my face. A smile teases his lips, one side of his mouth lifts. He reaches out to brush the curls from my face as the wind continues to blow. There's a softness in his eyes as he stares into mine. It's as if he wants to say something else to me. He couldn't have come looking for me just so I could vent to him. I must be needed back at the house.

"Why did you come out here? I mean, I appreciate you letting me vent but I'm guessing you were looking for me for a reason?" There's a quick glimpse in his eyes, if I didn't know better I'd think I just hurt his feelings.

"Your mom said you were upset and I should find you, stay with you. She's worried about you. That's all." Wyatt looks away and up toward the house on the cliffs. "I know this is hard on you. To see your family go through this. And Aiden, his life has blown up on him. You two are like brother and sister. I know how it feels to watch someone's life fall apart, you care about him and seeing this hurts you."

He always has seen more than I realize. I know Wyatt is telling me the truth. He understands what I'm going through. He's been dealing with the same thing with Roan. The guy's life is a mess too. Maybe worse than Aiden's.

"Has Roan talked to Reese and Molly yet?" I know this is a sore subject and it's been eating at him. But he just listened to me. I owe him the same courtesy.

"No. He took off with that chick from Georgia's party. The redhead. Dad thinks Reese should cut him off. Make the asshole fend for himself for a while." Wyatt looks up at the sky and sighs.

"What do you think?" I know at one time Wyatt and Roan were close. As close as me and Aiden. Roan hurt Wyatt a few years back and killed their relationship. They haven't been close for a while now.

"I think Roan is a lost cause. He doesn't appreciate his family and everything he has. I think he's taken too many people for granted and used so many that no one wants to be there for him anymore. I don't. I should but I don't." He's hurting. Everything that's happening is only exasperating the situation.

There always has to be that one family member who ruins it for everyone else. Roan is that person for Wyatt.

Running his fingers through his hair in frustration, he releases a deep sigh. "I wish I could just get away from it all for a while. You know? Just escape."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"I'm sorry about what happened to your dad." I can't apologize enough to her. feel so damn guilty about this. My dad did this to her.

"It's not your fault, Aiden. I know that." Wiping the tears from Riley's face, she's finally stopped crying and is talking to me.

Grandma and Grace told her the news. Riley was stunned to put it mildly, devastated beyond measure is more accurate. And I feel like it's all my fault. My dad has been pressuring me for months to get back with Leighton, to secure his business deal. I fought him, refused to accept what he wanted from me. He did this because of me.

No one here is blaming me for it. Not even Riley. I'd never do something this stupid, this lethal. I've done my share of reckless, stupid things. I've driven overly tired, distracted, and even drunk. But I've never hurt anyone because of my actions. Not this way.

My dad and I are as opposite as we can get. He's driven to have power, money, control. I'm driven to be a great quarterback, to make my family proud, my friends happy, and make sure my girl knows how much she's loved. I don't ever want to be like him. If I am, then I've failed everyone who means something to me, including myself.

"Honey, Riley knows this wasn't your fault. We all know that. The only person responsible for this is Adam. That damn boy is too much like his father." Georgia ran her hand down the length of Riley's curls. "Riley doesn't blame you. Right, sugar?"

Those big brown eyes look up at me, the gold flecks that usually light up her eyes are darkened, muted out by pain. She shakes her head and looks away, like she can't stand to look at me. The son of a bitch is getting between us just like he wanted.

"Riley, I want you to press charges against my dad." We haven't talked about this. From the quick intake of air, I'm sure I've surprised Grandma too. "He needs to go to jail. I'm sorry, Grandma. I know he's your son and you love him, despite everything he's done but he can't get away with it. He's done too much."

Grandma nods, with tears in her eyes, she keeps nodding and looks to Grace taking hold of her hand. "I know, sweet pea. I love my son and knowing what needs to be done breaks my heart. That doesn't mean I believe he should get away without punishment for what he's done. And sugar, if you decide to press charges, I'll stand beside you for the duration. We have some good attorneys in this family and we will put Adam behind bars."

"Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest? I can't ask you to prosecute your son, Georgia. I won't ask that of you." Riley refuses her offer. Rubbing her forehead, she's obviously overwhelmed with this. "I need to process everything. I don't want to put your dad in prison, Aiden. Don't you think at some point you'd regret this? Don't you think you'll resent me eventually if I do that. You'll hate me for sending him to jail."

"No, I won't." Taking both of Riley's hands in mine, I make sure she knows how I feel. "He almost ruined Bradford Engineering. He's hurt my grandmother over and over. He stole, lied, cheated on my mother, God knows what else he's done. He went there to bribe your dad to keep you from me. He killed your dad and he needs to pay for all of it."

Riley is pulling away from me. Grace already warned me this could happen. She's grief stricken, alone for the first time in her life with no family left. Riley is a quiet reserved person as it is. This is only intensifying that behavior.

Pulling her legs up to her chest, Riley wraps her arms around her legs and rocks slightly, comforting herself. She looks so small curled up this way, so fragile and vulnerable. I just want to protect her and keep her safe now. I just want her to be happy again. But things will never be the same.

Grace nudges me out after that. Telling me that Riley needs to rest and I need to run some errands for Grandma. Not like she doesn't have two people under this roof that not only work for her, but are here right now waiting for their orders. I'm not on Grandma's payroll. Not yet. And yeah, if she asks me to do something for her, I will. But there's nothing she's asked me to do. It was an excuse to get me out of the room so Grace and Grandma can talk alone. Probably about me. At least I know they're on my side.

As much as I want to be here for Riley, I've got somewhere else to be. Someone who I need to talk to. And this one is long overdue. So taking Grace's excuse to leave, I kiss Riley goodbye, letting her know I'll be back before she wakes up and I head downstairs on a mission.

A dark cloud over my head, I'm determined to get this over with once and for all. It's been brewing for years in me, the anger and hate has only multiplied now. Going straight into the kitchen, I grab my keys and jacket from the barstool, and head for the door.

"Where are you going, son? You look half cocked to blow a fuse there." Sawyer and Harper come straight over to me as soon as they see me heading out. I'm betting Blake and Matt have asked them to keep me busy, to keep me sane while Grace and Grandma help Riley through the worst of it. Stopping me from leaving unseen and without an entourage, Sawyer stands in front of the door, arms crossed daring me to push my way through.

"I've got an errand to run for Grandma. I'll be back in a bit." Thinking I can blow them off and get out without questions was a ridiculous idea but I had to try.

"We'll just keep you company then." Sawyer nods and opens the door to join me.

"And if I don't want anyone going with me?" Quizzing them, I know I've got no choice. "I'm not really in the mood for company."

"We'll just follow you. Blake wants to make sure you don't get into trouble." Harper answers, confirming my suspicions. "Besides, Blake said we weren't to let you out of our sights. You know he's just doing what's best for you. We can't let you go out alone. Sorry, Aiden. He's worried about you doing something stupid."

"I'm going to talk to my dad. It's time he understands what he's done not just to me and my mom but this family. I need to do this for Riley." I made my decision. With or without my family's approval, I'm doing this today. "If you're determined to stick with me, get your coats and let's go. I'm not waiting to speak my piece with him."

The guys try to lighten the mood in the car. They talk about football - another sore subject for me, classes, this party Grandma is putting together for the foundation, and Sarah. Looks like someone has caught the young Segler's eye.

"Landon was practically drooling over the counter this morning when she got there. He spilled his coffee down the front of him, flipped his fork and almost hit Colby in the eye, then tripped over his own feet trying to clean up his mess. The guy's lost all his moves." Harper shakes his head, mocking our missing friend.

"What moves? The guy uses corny pick up lines to hit on women. I'd say the goofy klutz is a much better choice." Sawyer added his take.

We got to the police station and headed straight in. No questions about me changing my mind, or second thoughts from them. Not for this. They know I've had enough of the man who is biologically my father but in no way has ever been my dad. That was Blake to me, not him.

Blake was the one who was there for every game, every school event. He taught me a love for football, about the importance of family, friends. He was the one I went to with questions and growing pains growing up. Blake is the man who I've admired and looked up to. He was my super hero, my idol. Adam donated sperm to create me, any man can do that. Not every man can be respected and admired.

We had to wait for him to be brought out from his cell to a visitation room. Everything is cold, sterile and hard. I hope he enjoys his time here. Solid steel benches on either side of the walls, drilled into the floor, so they can't be thrown or used as a weapon. A one way mirror on one wall, obviously to observe us. They don't trust the son of a bitch any more than I do.

Adam walks into the room and looks at me like he expected to see me before now. The arrogance in his smirk says he's expecting me to apologize and help him out of this hole he's dug for himself. As if being a Bradford gives him the right to destroy someone's world. No chance of that.

"Aiden. Since you're here, I expect you've gotten some sense talked into your thick head. It's about time you saw things my way. I knew you'd you come around. Now get me out of here so we can finish the deal with Greer." He doesn't care that Riley is heartbroken. He doesn't acknowledge that he's killed anyone and is responsible for his own actions. It only pisses me off more.

"You aren't going anywhere but prison. I'm going to make sure of that. Your rule is done." I don't move but glare at the man I should respect and instead loathe.

"Your football career is over, Aiden. No team wants a quarterback with no arm. It's time you accept this and move on. You're behaving like a child. Life's hard, boy. Accept the deal and it gets a whole lot easier." He pulls out his handkerchief to wipe down the bench before taking a seat.

"You killed my girlfriend's father. You've lied, cheated and stole from the company, the family, from mom. You've embarrassed Grandma. She's the only person who might stand by you." I start my rant with deadly calm in my voice but the anger is bubbling just below the surface.

"You don't know what you're talking about. Do you really think your precious Blake can run B.E.? That's my company! I was groomed to run it. To make it succeed." Dad glares at me for my attack. "Blake is a fool! He doesn't believe in profits or anything that isn't football related. Dad encouraged his dream because Blake isn't smart enough to run the company. Dad couldn't trust Blake to not destroy what he built. He knew, just like I do, that the business world gets ugly. Sometimes you have to make the hard decisions and do what others won't to succeed. Blake doesn't have the spine to do what's required to run the business. He can't stomach the hard choices he'd have to make. He won't last a week before he comes crawling back for my help!"

"Blake knows what matters. You don't give him credit for all he's done. He won't let Grandma down. She trusts him, that's what matters." I argue with him.

Dad knows this tactic of going after Blake isn't going to convince me to help him. So he changes his mind, calmly folding his hands on the table and tries a different approach. "Everything I do, everything I've done has been for you, Aiden. For you to join me, like I joined my father at the top. The world is ours to conquer. We can do that together."

There was a time I wanted nothing more than for my father to notice me. There was a time he could have say these words to me and I'd have believed him. I was so desperate back then for my father to say something, anything that would convince me he cared. Those days are long gone.

I'm not buying what he's trying to sell me. Where a boy ached for his father's love is only empty and vacant now. He's shown me who he really is and what he holds as important. I know that I'm not a part of that. I never was. Neither was mom.

"You don't care about me or my future. You don't want me to rule with you. You are only concerned about how much money you have, how much power you've accumulated, how many women you can use and throw away. Guess what, Dad? You don't have any money, you lost that. And you've got no power in the company, no pull with the family or with me, with mom. It's just you and your bimbos now. Even those brainless fools won't be sticking around long, now that you're broke and powerless. So I guess it'll be you and your cellmate Bubba playing drop the soap in the communal showers." Standing up, I lean over the table, my hands flattened against the cold steel. "I'm going to see to it you go to prison for the rest of your miserable life, you bastard. I'm getting into the NFL, and I'm going to marry Riley. Nothing you do is going to screw that up. You failed Dad. You fail me, mom, Grandma and the company. You're a loser and criminal."

Standing tall, I turn my back on him. I've said what I came to say. Saw what I needed to see. He's not my father. He's not the man I spent my life wanting to like. He's nothing to me but a bad headache. Going to the locked guarded door I knocked to be let out.

As the guard opens the door, I turn around to look at him one last time. "I hope you like that shade of orange. You're going to be wearing it for a long time."