"Woah..." Emma mouths beside me, just as awestruck as I am. "I don't know what I was expecting, but it is not this."  I swallow, silently agreeing with her. We heard footsteps approaching us and both turn in that direction. There must be another floor underground because Devon appears from the underneath instead of the stairs. I gasp, my eyes widening as I stare at him. His appearance now is shockingly different from our first date or even our fake marriage.
He had glasses on, a white t-shirt, a beige-colored cardigan that did nothing to hide how well-defined he was, and grey pants. His light brown hair was tousled over his forehead, making him look younger. I glance at his eyes, the honey-colored orbs taking me by surprise. This guy is single-handedly breaking all the molds that I have placed on Billionaires... And I don't like it. Even his walk had an aura of its own. Competent and assured in his success, but not overblown or arrogant, it served as a reminder that he was nothing like the men I was used to... Or involved with. 
"Devon Reeves? You didn't tell me you married Devon Reeves!" Emma squeaks beside me, gripping my hands tightly.
"Well, you didn't give me a chance to explain," I murmur back, still staring at him. He walked up to us and a smile lit his face.
"Good evening, I've been expecting you." He said, his deep voice soothing as he stretched his hands for a shake. I glance at his face once more before taking his hands.
That damn tingle. I think to myself as I shake his hand. It seems stronger now and I almost didn't want him to take his hands away from mine. I snatch mine, however, startled by the number of emotions coursing through me. Devon didn't seem perturbed by it and turns to Emma. 
"You must be her sister. Hello, I'm Devon Reeves."
"Yeah, I figured." She replies as she shook his hands, gawking at him.
"Your sister must have told you about me." 
"If she didn't, I'd have forced it out," Emma replies, her tone wary as she watched him suspiciously. He only grins.
He cast me a side glance, a corner of his lip turned up. "No wonder you gave me that term." He murmurs and I feel my ears buzz.
"You live alone?" I ask after glancing around the house for a maid or worker.
"Yes." He replies, looking at me.
"How do you manage the house then?"
"I have a housekeeper that comes at designated times to clean. But no permanent workers, I like it better that way." He explains. "You must be tired, I'll take you to your rooms now and You and I will talk afterward." He says, staring at me. My back prickles under his intense gaze and I look away but he's soon speaking so I give I'm my attention.
"I hired an interior designer for your rooms but it's still rather plain. You'll have to fill it with whatever you like later on." He says as he leads us up the stairs.
"Where's your room?" I ask, glancing at him.
"It's underground." 
"You live in the basement?" Emma perks up. Devon turns to her, slowing in his steps. 
"Now that you put it that way, maybe I do live in the basement."
"Why would you live in the basement of your own house?" Emma continues, raising a brow.
"There's a reason for that, I promise. But I think it'll be better if we didn't share. We've only just met." He says.
"Hmm.." Emma murmurs and clamps her mouth shut. We get into a hallway with doors on either side. He walks up to the first one.  
"This is your room." He says as he opens the door, leading me to an elegant but classy room. White marble lined the floor and it almost made me guilty for walking in it. Did he call this plain? 
"The two of you are going to sleep in separate rooms?" Emma asks, removing her earphones.
We both turn to look at her. "Yes." We say almost at the same time.
She glances at the two of us before shrugging. "Cool." 
Emma's room is at the far end of the hallway,  just after mine which means I can easily keep an eye on her. The fact that she's so far away from him, relieves me somehow. Our things have already been brought in by the driver and although Devon offered to help us carry them, I was quick to refuse. I was starting to get overwhelmed by his presence and the unexpected reactions that had been coursing through me ever since I walked in. He doesn't try to push, giving me the space I need.
Carrying my things into my room, I close the door behind me and stare at my new space. This is different. I thought I was prepared but I'm thinking maybe not.
What if he's pretending? The voice in my head mutters and I stiffen. That would be bad. I can't seem to figure him out.
Devon Reeves. What is it about him?
.
.
.
After we've settled in, I come down from my room to meet Devon who's already waiting for me at the kitchen island, a planner in hand. When he hears me come, he looks up adjusting his glasses. I go on to sit opposite him, giving us some space. My hands flat on the edge, I lean forward.
"Um... Thanks for accepting and agreeing to my terms." I begin, looking at him. 
He shrugs. "It was reasonable."
"I had expected you to find it daunting."
"You were just letting your sisters know what you were up to, I doubt anyone would find it daunting. I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for agreeing to do this on such short notice."
It is my turn to shrug. I shift my attention to the huge planner beside him.
"What's that?"
He looks at it before flipping a page open. "My schedule for this month. It contains all the parties and fundraising events that I'll be attending for the entire month and the ones where we need to appear on so the world can know I'm married."
"And by the world, you mean your ex?"
"Precisely."
He slides it towards me and I collect it from him, going through it. He's very meticulous, I note as I read through the planner.
"As you know, I don't do well with crowds. I have to be aware of any event that involves people so I can adequately prepare for them. This is just one of my many methods."
"You must not like surprises then," I say offhandedly. He looks me, square in the face.
"No, I don't."
Strange, because you're full of them.
"The first on the list is my mother's birthday. I haven't seen her in years. I recently found out that she moved to San Francisco on a holiday and that's where she met Evelyn, my ex. It's this Friday so we have to prepare for that." He pauses so he can look at me. When he sees I'm paying attention, he continues speaking."It's an evening party at a beach resort and she seems to have invited a lot of influential people. She's probably trying to integrate me back into her life by introducing me to her world as her son."
I have so many questions that I want to ask but I can't since I've resolved to not know anything about him. It makes leaving easier. I grip the planner tightly. "Thanks for this. I'll get back to you if I have any questions." I say as I stand to my feet.
His voice stops me. "Don't hesitate to." A strange sensation courses through me and I swallow. Giving him a small nod, I start up the stairs, my heart racing in anticipation... Or fear. Whichever one is first.
This should be fun.
***
Okay, I admit it. I'm in love with Cinnamon Roll men...
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