Devil CEO's Desire

The Carter mansion loomed before them as their car wound up the private drive, its Gothic architecture a sharp contrast to the modernist penthouse they'd left behind. Ancient trees lined the approach, their branches casting moving shadows across the limestone facade. This was to be their primary residence, Ben had explained – the ancestral seat of the Carter family, though he'd purchased it long after making his fortune.

Evelyn watched as iron gates swung open automatically, admitting them to a world that seemed frozen in time. The afternoon sun caught the leaded glass windows, making them gleam like dragon's eyes. Everything about the estate spoke of old power, old money – ironic, given that its owner had clawed his way up from the streets.

"It's not what you expected," Ben said beside her, reading her expression with uncanny accuracy. After their morning performance for the press, he'd been quiet during the drive, lost in thoughts he didn't share.

"I expected something more modern," she admitted, taking in the perfectly manicured gardens and stone fountains. "This seems more suited to my family's taste than yours."

A shadow of something crossed his face. "Sometimes the best way to beat the old guard is to become them – but better." The car stopped before wide marble steps. "Besides, this place has excellent security. You'll be safe here."

The way he said it – as if her safety was a primary concern – made her wonder what threats he anticipated. Before she could ask, the massive wooden doors swung open, revealing an elegant woman in her fifties.

"Mrs. Carter," the woman said warmly, though her sharp eyes missed nothing as she assessed Evelyn. "I'm Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper. Welcome to Carter Manor."

Ben's hand settled at the small of Evelyn's back as they climbed the steps, a gesture that was becoming familiar. "Mrs. Hughes has run this house for five years," he explained. "She'll help you settle in."

The entrance hall soared three stories high, a crystal chandelier casting rainbow prisms across marble floors. Old masters hung on wood-paneled walls, their gilt frames catching the light. Everything spoke of carefully curated luxury, yet Evelyn sensed something else beneath the surface – like the house itself held secrets.

"Your suite has been prepared," Mrs. Hughes continued, leading them up a sweeping staircase. "Though of course you may make any changes you wish."

Evelyn glanced at Ben, noting the tension in his jaw. "Our suite?" she asked carefully.

"Adjoining suites," he corrected, his voice neutral. "Connected by a shared sitting room. As discussed, this marriage may be real legally, but certain... arrangements... remain flexible."

Something like disappointment flickered through her, though she quickly suppressed it. Of course – this was a business arrangement, nothing more. The kiss they'd shared that morning had been for show, regardless of how it had felt.

Mrs. Hughes showed them to a wing of the house that faced the extensive gardens. Evelyn's suite was a study in subtle luxury – pale blue silk wallpaper, antique furniture that managed to look both elegant and comfortable, and a sitting room that opened onto a private balcony.

"The blue suite has always been for the lady of the house," Mrs. Hughes explained, her tone softening slightly. "Though you're the first to occupy it in many years."

Ben's hand tightened slightly on Evelyn's waist. "Mrs. Hughes, please ensure my wife has everything she needs. I have calls to make." He turned to Evelyn, his storm-grey eyes unreadable. "Take time to settle in. We'll have dinner together at eight."

After he left, Mrs. Hughes helped Evelyn explore her new domain. The closets had already been filled with designer clothes in exactly her size – Ben's efficiency at work again. The adjoining bathroom featured a marble tub big enough for swimming, and the sitting room held floor-to-ceiling bookshelves waiting to be filled.

"Through there is Mr. Carter's suite," Mrs. Hughes said, nodding to a closed door. "He rarely sleeps, so don't be concerned if you hear him moving about at night."

Evelyn caught something in the older woman's tone. "How well do you know him, Mrs. Hughes?"

The housekeeper considered her carefully before answering. "Well enough to know that you're different from what I expected when he announced this marriage. He's not an easy man, Mrs. Carter. But he chose you for a reason."

"Do you know what that reason is?"

"I suspect you'll discover that yourself, in time." Mrs. Hughes moved toward the door. "One piece of advice, if I may? The nights here can be... difficult for him. Sometimes the past doesn't stay where it belongs."

Before Evelyn could ask what she meant, the housekeeper had gone, leaving her alone in her new domain. She moved to the balcony, watching the sun sink behind perfectly manicured hedges. Somewhere in the gardens below, a fountain played, its music mixing with the evening bird song.

This morning, she had been Evelyn Wills, the forgotten daughter. Now she was Mrs. Carter, mistress of this estate and wife to Rome's most dangerous man. The changes made her head spin.

A movement caught her eye – Ben walking in the gardens below, his phone to his ear. Even from this distance, she could see the predatory grace in his movements, the barely leashed power that made other men fear him. What demons haunted his nights? What secrets lay behind those storm-grey eyes?

As if sensing her thoughts, he looked up, catching her watching him. For a moment, their gazes locked across the distance. Then he smiled – that rare, genuine smile that transformed his harsh features into something beautiful – and raised his hand in acknowledgment.

Evelyn's heart skipped. This dangerous, complicated man was her husband now, for better or worse. And despite all logic, despite knowing this was just an arrangement, she found herself wanting to unravel every one of his mysteries.

The sun sank lower, casting long shadows across the garden. Somewhere in the house, a clock began to strike the hour, its deep tones echoing through empty corridors. Eight chimes – time for dinner with her new husband.

Time to begin unraveling those mysteries, one shadow at a time.