There's too much silence for my liking as I study Natalie, Ashely and Max's face who look like they've seen a ghost. Caleb and Austin just give each other a look, both sighing at the same time and I wait for the other three to respond in some manner.

There's a loud knock on the door and Austin is the first to shoot up, "It must be tacos, I got it."

"I'll come along." Caleb nods, following him and I resist rolling my eyes at them but focus my attention on the rest.

"Is this some prank that you're pulling off?" Max's voice is filled confusion and shock as he continues to stare at me.

I hold up my hand and point towards my fingers. "I'm married. Ash, this is the reason I dropped out before joining in, it all happened so fast, and when I joined back I wanted everything to be normal, I didn't want that life to taint this so I didn't say a word." I try to explain but each word I say just increases the look of hurt on her face as she shakes her head.

"I'm going to be in my room." She speaks, turning around to leave and I sigh before looking at Natalie and Max.

"Did anyone know?" Natalie asks me and I nod, pointing at Caleb and Austin who enter with bunch of taco boxes in their hands. "Wow."

She runs a hand through her hair and Max turns to me. "Just go talk to her, we'll keep our questions for later."

I give him a thankful smile before following the steps to Ashley's room. It has a twin bed and is pretty much similar to our dorm room because she has decorated it the similar way she did it back there. She's sitting on the edge of her bed and I knock to make my presence known.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice is filled with hurt and I feel the guilt for the hundredth time today.

"It's a long story, Ash." I sigh and she gives me a look.

"Start from the beginning." She breathes and I sit on the chair by her desk.

I tell her everything, about the weekend I visited home after classes and how everything began. I speak about how hostile James and my relationship was, how I had a terrible honeymoon and telling her about all this makes me realise how far James and I have come. Never in my best dream did I ever think that we would ever be able to share a bond we do today.

"You're married to James fucking Clark?" She asks, her jaw dropping a little and I nod. "Oh god, I remember his engagement news and how crazy people went over it, but I don't read news, you know? I never saw photos, but my god, Lillian."

I give her a small smile. "He's a great person. We might have gotten on a wrong start, but things between us are good. At least that's what I think."

She nods, "I just... Caleb and Austin knew, didn't they? Given their reaction. I'm just hurt you didn't tell me."

"I'm so sorry, I only told Caleb because he was there right at the moment I really wanted to talk to someone, but that doesn't mean I don't trust you, Ash. You've been my only friend since such a long time, this had everything to do with me, and not with you."

She nods in understanding, "It's okay, Lil. Just please know that I'm here anytime you want to talk about something, okay?"

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry and thank you."

"C'mon. I'm sure Max must be dying to know everything. You don't have to give them details if you aren't comfortable, you know? Just tell them you had to get married for some reason and that's about it." She assures me and I give her a thankful smile for reading my mind without uttering a word.

When we get out in the living room, Max seems to be questioning Caleb and Austin who are just staring back at him blankly while Natalie and Anna are engrossed in a conversation amongst themselves.

As soon as Max realises our presence, his eyes shoot up and he looks at me. "You remember the first day we met and I asked you if you were some famous chick? I saw your photograph in the newspaper. You're married to James Clark, aren't you?"

I nod, pursing my lips because I remember exactly what moment he's talking about, when I freaked out so much that he might know about the wedding. But Max just stares at me wide-eyed while Natalie looks amused which tells me she doesn't really care about this stuff, which is a huge relief.

"See, I knew! I called it, bitches!" Max rocks his fist through the air and earns a look from everyone. "Your husband is loaded, by the way."

"Gee, thanks Max." I smile at him and he laughs before pulling me in a hug. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner."

"It's cool, really. How is it being married so young?" Natalie asks and I shrug.

"Weird, kind of like you're in the most serious relationship of your life with shit loads of tags and responsibilities." I tell her honestly because even though I've never been in a relationship before, I do know what James and I share is exactly that.

"How did you two meet, man? From what I've heard he's some hot-shot personality. You must've done something charming to make him fall in love with you and get married at such young age." Anna comments and both Caleb and Ashley glare at her unknowingly but I just shift uncomfortably in my seat.

"It wasn't a love marriage." I tell her honestly and it manages to surprise everyone except two people who know the details. "Anyway, what are we doing about the taco contest?"

They must realise that I don't want to talk about this further because Austin gets up to go to the kitchen and I follow behind him silently to get the food to living room. I look back at Caleb who looks a little lost in his thought and then back at Austin.

"How are things between you two?" I ask, making sure no one else hears us.

He sighs, "I apologised, so much. But he's really hurt that I didn't trust him, and imagined the worst case scenario. I think it's going to take some time to fall back into things."

"I'm so sorry, Austin. If I knew about this, I would've told you sooner."

He just smiles at me. "It's okay. I think it's been like a wake up call for things we need to work in our relationship. I told him I love him, you know?"

I look at him with utmost surprise. "You did?"

"I did, because I do. I mean the fact that I was so hurt with the thought of him cheating on me is what made me realise how much that little shit means to me. I'm going to work on myself to make the relationship last, because I can't imagine losing him."

A smile takes place on my face as I hear him talk and nod, because I'm glad he realised it, and some guilt also rises off my chest. We both carry the tacos in the living room and settle them on the coffee table.

"Okay, so rules, you have to finish entire taco without spilling the fillings and whoever eats the most wins the contest." Max rubs his hand in anticipation.

"Okay, but what does the winner get?" Caleb asks probably the smartest question at the moment.

"To eat so many tacos, duh." Max rolls his eyes like it's the most obvious thing and everyone laughs.

"I'm out. I'd rather enjoy a few." I say as I pick out a taco and Ashley does the same.

"Losers." Caleb smirks at me and even though it's just him being playful, it warms my heart as I bump my shoulder with his.

I've grown attached to this guy more than any other friend I've ever had. It's probably the big brother vibe he radiates off, but I care deeply for him and maybe that's why the intensity of guilt I felt knowing I was responsible for his pain was a lot too.

"I'm in." Anna grins and everyone looks at thirty tacos in front of them because that's the most bags Austin and I could carry.

"Okay, we're doing this on timer, right?" Austin pipes in and Natalie nods which makes him turn to me, "You open the timer in your phone. We have ten minutes. Do your best guys!"

I laugh, pulling out my phone to put a ten minute timer and everyone unwraps tacos. When it's done, I look at them, "Ready?"

Max nods, rubbing his hands and Caleb does the same. I put on the timer and literally everyone reaches out to grab tacos and start gobbling it. Natalie is the slowest one while Austin seems to be done with one taco in a minute.

"Oh god." Max groans, the filling spilling everywhere on his clothes and Ashley glares at him.

"Do not ruin the couch, Max."

"Babe, you're supposed to cheer for me."

"More chewing less talking." She swats him on the shoulder and he continues to eat.

So far the most surprising one has been Anna who's literally devouring the tacos. When the timer goes off, I look at everyone and realise that she's the clear winner who has eaten eight tacos while Austin had six.

Caleb and Natalie kind of gave up midway and are leisurely enjoying their food while Max, the one with the genius idea ate four.

"I'm so full." Austin groans, leaning back in the couch as Ashley offers everyone a can of soda and I chuckle, finally picking up my taco to eat.

"How the hell did you eat so much?" Natalie looks at her date in surprise who just shrugs in return.

"I eat, a lot." She grins.

Everyone gets busy in their conversation and I silently succumb to my introvert self as I observe them, silently eating my taco and realising how grateful I am for these people around me.

After what seems like an hour, there's a knock on the front door and everyone frowns, including me as Ashley gets up to check the door. It's when she's unlocking does it hit me that it could be James so I immediately get up and walk towards her.

Just like I expected, James is standing on the other side wearing the same light blue button down and rugged jeans from couple of hours ago. Ashley looks at him before turning back to glance at me with wide eyes before staring back at him again.

A slow smirk slowly takes over his features as he notices her reaction and clears his throat, "You must be Ashley?"

She nods, still recovering from the surprise. "Hey, yes. James, right?"

He grins at her and looks back at me momentarily, winking at me which makes heat rise to my cheeks. "Yes, I'm here to pick up Lillian."

Ashley turns back to me with a frown. "You aren't staying the night?"

I shake my head and smack myself mentally for not informing them about the change of plans sooner. "We have plans. I'll come over some other time." I try to reassure her and she just nods, looking back at my husband.

"C'mon in. I'm sure rest of them will shit bricks seeing you here." She scoffs, and I realise that her surprise has worn down, which means she's going to be her normal self now.

James chuckles at her words, not looking hesitant even for a second as he steps in and Ashley walks in the living room with us behind her. He doesn't say a word but his smirk is so unnerving and his eyes are filled with amusement as he wraps his arm around my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

"Guys, we have company." Ashley announces and everyone's attention immediately focuses on James's new presence.

"Fuck." I hear Anna curse as she looks at him and I immediately realise the impact James's presence has on people is multiplied by three at the moment.

I mean, we're all business students, I'm not sure about Anna but the rest of us at some point have been given example of Clark Enterprise by our professors. He pushes his free hand in his free pocket as he looks at everyone.

No one say a word which makes it too awkward so I look at Caleb for help who rolls his eyes before standing up to come greet James. "Hey man, nice to see you again."

"Caleb, it's good to see you too."

They shake hands and Austin's jaw almost drops to the floor as he observes the encounter, making me laugh a little. Caleb settles on the couch and nudges his boyfriend who finally stops staring at James.

"Guys, this is James, my husband." I start and then look back at the man of the hour. "These are my friends. You already met Ashley and Caleb, that's Austin." I point towards the silver haired guy who just nods and smiles in return.

I turn to the girls, "That's Natalie and her date Anna." They both wave at him as I introduce them one by one. James's smile drops a little but he manages to nod at them. I already know he's thinking about Natalie's actions from weeks ago which makes me move my arm on his back and rub circles to relax him.

To my surprise, Max stands up from the couch, almost as tall as James, probably just a couple of inches shorter but the guy is much skinnier which goes amazingly with his dark curls. "Hey, I'm Max. Have heard great things about you, none from this one though."

James smirks at his words, shaking his head as he gives me a side look. "You been bad mouthing me, love?"

Oh, god! The fact that he called me love in front of everyone manages to flush my cheeks, along with it making his british accent so prominent. I see the wide grin which takes place on Ashley's face while Anna continues to ogle at him. God, look away girl. He's mine.

"Something like that." I manage to teasingly grin at him and he chuckles, shaking his head.

"It's really nice to put faces to people she talks about a lot." James looks at everyone.

"That's ironic because she's the quietest one amongst us." Natalie comments and I notice the way James's demeanour changes a little but silently pray that he doesn't make it evident to others. I feel the strain in his back under my touch, that's why I know he's having a reaction to Natalie's presence even though he has nothing to worry out.

"Quiet, is she?" He grins down at me, relief washing through me to see that he can still manage to be playful. "I guess it takes her a little time to really open up."

"I'm standing right here, you know." I give him a look and he just shrugs in return.

"Would you like some tacos?" Austin asks. "Anna won the contest."

"You guys had a taco eating contest?" James looks at the mess of the living room and I nod. "How many did you eat?"

"Didn't participate." I shrug.

"We're going to have work on your winning skills." He says, making everyone laugh and I swat him lightly on the shoulder. "We better get going, Lil."

"Why? Please stay for a while." Anna pipes in and I can't help the annoyance that takes over me. James must realise it through my expressions because he squeezes my shoulder slightly.

"Got plans." I mumble before moving to pick up my bag. "I'll see you guys soon." I wave at everyone and they just wave back.

"It was nice to meet you all." James gives them a curt nod before taking my hand to move us towards the door.

Ashley gives me a hug since she's standing before we leave and nods at James who returns it as we exit the apartment. As we reach the elevator, I realise I've been holding my breath for him to speak something but then he doesn't say a word so I turn to him in the elevator.

"What did you think?" I ask, fumbling with my fingers because I've realised that this man's opinion does mean a lot to me.

"You've got bunch of friends for someone who's not very social." He pulls my hand in his, stroking my knuckles as we step out of the elevator and start moving towards the building exit to reach the car. "They all seem fine, I guess. Austin seemed nervous."

"Yeah, I think it's just the entire relationship conflict taking a toll on him because he's really not like that." I inform him as we reach the car and he opens the door for me.

When he comes to sit in the driver's seat, he takes my bag and puts it in the back. "Did Caleb and him sort out?"

"They are both trying, I guess." I shrug as he starts driving. "What did you think of others?"

"Mm, not a fan of Natalie." He glances at me.

"I wonder why." I roll my eyes. "You've nothing to worry about, you know? I know I've never said it out aloud but I'm happy with you, James. However things must've started, I'm happy with how things are between us."

It's true, I can't point out the moment when things started getting better between us because this entire journey has been a rollercoaster ride with his mood swings and struggling to let me in, and I'm aware there's a long way to go but I'm happy with us right now.

He turns to me for a few seconds before moving his eyes back on the road. "I'm crazy about you, Mrs. Clark. I hope you know that."

I can't help the grin that takes over my features at his words, my heart surrounding itself with warmth as he places his hand on my thigh and gives it a little squeeze. Sometimes this feels surreal, like a dream — how could a man who felt so annoyed by my presence feel this way about me?

These are the things I want to ask him, to get to know about his feelings for me but I'm afraid of pushing him off the edge so I wait for him to open up eventually, because I know it might take some time but it'll be worth the wait.

When he pulls on the familiar street of the mansion, I turn to him, "We're staying in?"

He nods, turning inside the driveway as he parks the car. "We were supposed to meet Alex and Hale for drinks, but they can wait. I've got much more important plans for us."

His words make my stomach swirl with excitement because I know exactly where his head's at with that look in his eyes. After getting out, he pulls the door open for me and as soon as I step out, his body pushes me against the car, his lips claiming mine in seconds.

I kiss him back with all my might, my lips moving against his as his hands come down around my waist and he squeezes my sides, drawing out a moan from me. My fingers play with the ends of his hair roots, pulling him closer.

He parts away a little, staring into my eyes with his own emerald ones swirling with desire. "C'mon. Let's go upstairs."

I pout at the distance between us which only makes him grin more with amusement as he takes my hand and guides us inside the house. He pulls me closer as we reach the elevator hallway and as soon as enter, he presses his lips on my earlobe, making me close my eyes from the impact.

"James." I breathe as my hands start moving around the collar of his shirt to draw him closer to my lips.

He finally kisses me as his tongue meets mine, pressing me against the elevator wall. His hands comes around my waist before moving down to my ass as he squeezes them tightly, drawing out a moan from me. He pushes my body against his, his hands lifting me up and I take the hint to wrap my legs around his waist.

Fuck!

I feel his hard self rubbing against my core and I suddenly feel the need to remove the barrier of clothes between us. The elevator door opens on our floor but James doesn't pull away or puts me down, he carries us out in the hallway and my fingers brush through his chest before meeting the buttons of his shirt as I start unbuttoning it one after another.

My tongue coaxes to his, our lips not breaking apart even for a second as he walks down the hallway with me wrapped around him, my one arm around his neck while other hand works on his buttons. After I've unbuttoned till his chest, my hands rub over his toned muscles and he pushes me against the bedroom door, pressing himself into me as he squeezes my ass again, much firmer this time, and I can't help but groan from the shock that leaves through me.

He slowly parts away, his hands moving from their place and I unwrap my legs from around him, standing on my feet and my knees honestly feel like jell-o but he quickly wraps an arm around my waist as he unlocks the bedroom door and both of us stumble inside. My fingers finish unbuttoning the rest of his shirt while his find the hem of my tank top.

James and I have had to stop ourselves a lot of times in the past few weeks for some reason that felt unknown to both of us but right now our actions don't stop, mirroring each other as he leans forward to kiss me again, bending down at the same time to remove his shoes while I do the same.

Eventually we part away and the back of my knees hit the bed while I push away his shirt. His eyes meet mine and I wonder if mine reflect the same desire I see in his, because I definitely feel it. The way his eyes trace down to my body makes me conscious because I'm just standing in shorts and plain black bra but the lust behind his eyes give me a little confidence as I reach out for his jeans.

His eyes grow a little darker as he notices my actions and I wait for his approval to which he just breathes. "Fuck, yes. Please."

I can't help but smile nervously at his words, my hands undoing his button followed by the zipper before I pull them down and he finally steps out of it. He stands just in his briefs in front of me and I looks into his eyes, my hand moving to palm him down and he breathes through his lips, a moan escaping him as his eyes close from the impact.

He pushes me back on the bed and I lie flat on my back as he starts to hover over me, his mouth moving from neck down to the line of my bra and I hold my breath in anticipation. He presses his lips to my skin, placing feather like kisses down to my abdomen, making me arch my back.

I sit up a little on my elbows as my eyes follow his movements as he removes my shorts. After he's done sliding them down my legs, I sit up on the bed completely and reach out to his neck, wanting to claim his lips and he moans against my mouth as my hands meet his hard member.

He pulls my body to himself as he sits down against the headboard, taking me with him in his lap and I press against him, a strong heat of sensation rolling through me because there's barely any clothing barrier between us. I kiss his jaw, moving down to his neck as my hips rock against his, making me lose my damn mind.

"Fuck, baby. You've to stop doing that if you don't want this to end soon." His voice is too low, sending shivers down my spine.

I stop the movement below my torso but don't stop kissing his neck, my tongue stroking his skin as my teeth nibble on it, making him press himself against me even harder, drawing a moan of pleasure from both of us. After I'm satisfied with the mark I left, I move back a little, looking into his eyes before moving down to placing kisses on his chest, my lips tracing his torso before they meet the line of his briefs and he looks at me hesitantly.

"Lillian." He speaks as I move to remove the last piece of clothing from him and he doesn't object, helping me but then puts his hand underneath my chin, making me look in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

I don't answer him, instead I wrap my hand around his member that seems to make him forget about his question, his eyes closing and I lean down further to stroke him before moving my tongue along his length.

"Oh, fuck." He groans loudly, his eyes shooting open as he stares at me with nothing but passion and desire clear in his eyes.

I wrap my lips around him, my nerves resolving a little at his reaction as I start to move my hand, tongue and lips in sync. I feel him twitch under me as I continue to work on him, his moans driving me to the edge to keep my actions going. For the next few minutes, I keep at it, my grip on him turning tighter as his moans turn louder. Oh, god! I have no idea where this boldness is coming from, but it's so worth it to see James so under the control of my touch. I don't think I've ever wanted anyone as much as I do this man.

"I'm really close, baby." He warns a little later and I mentally debate whether I want to stop but then go against it, just fastening my pace as I meet his eyes and he looks so irresistible with his expressions filled with nothing but desire, desire for me. "Fuck, Lil."

His groan is followed by a shiver in his legs before I feel warm liquid inside my mouth, making me pull away as he finishes mostly in my hands.

"Jesus, Lillian." He breathes, pulling me towards himself before switching on the side lamp, making me realise that the only light he switched on after entering the room was of the dresser.

He pulls out a box of tissue and cleans me up a little before moving forward to claim my lips with his own. "You taste of me, love."

"I love that I do." I tell him and he grins before kissing me again.

Eventually he puts me on the other side before coming over my body, his hands tracing my panty lines which makes my breath falter a little. He studies my face before pressing a kiss on my nose.

"You left a mark." He points out and I can't help the grin that takes place on my face.

"Well, you did it twice. I'm just keeping the score even."

He smirks at me, his hands removing my panties followed by his toes moving them down my legs before he spreads my legs apart, making my breath hitch from the impact. I move to close them but he shakes his head, making me stop my movement with his intense gaze.

"You don't play fair, do you?" He teases, his fingers rubbing against me, making me moan helplessly as his other hand strokes my cheeks.

"James, please." I plead, my voice barely audible and he grins at me before moving down to kiss my belly button as his tongue starts swirling on my skin. He slowly, very tauntingly moves further down, making me gulp, "What are you doing?"

He looks up for a second, "Keeping the score even." He says as he presses his tongue against the most sensitive spot on my body, making me lose my senses.