Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

Tension

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Dwayne's gaze locked onto mine, sharp yet somehow tender, as he let out a measured sigh.

"On one hand, I've just navigated a major shake-up in Italy. We need a foothold in New York, and the timing felt right. On the other hand..." He hesitated, as if weighing the gravity of his next words. "I came to claim what's rightfully mine. Nana's inheritance." The explanation aligned with what Ashley had told me before, and I found myself nodding. Still, a part of me couldn't help but question why the inheritance mattered so much to him.

"But you're already a Mafia lord," I blurted, unable to hide my disbelief. "You have wealth, power, an entire empire. Isn't the inheritance... trivial by comparison?"

"It's not just about the money or properties," he said, shaking his head. "Nana Jean owns a significant portion of the Mafia's power. If I don't secure that, rival families will move in, and there'll be blood. Chaos. That's not something I'm willing to allow." It clicked. "So, this isn't just about assets-it's about maintaining stability. Control."

A flicker of approval lit his face, and he nodded, his lips curling into a faint, almost boyish smile. "Exactly. But there's another reason," he added, his tone growing serious, his eyes once again boring into mine.

I tensed, his sudden intensity making my pulse quicken a bit. "What reason?"

He didn't look away. "Big Joe told me you've been living with Jared," he said evenly, though his tone carried a quiet accusation.

The words landed like a slap. My stomach lurched as my mouth fell open in shock. Big Joe?

So Big Joe was working for him, and not his friend like Big Joe had made me believe when we first met? I thought back to all the times Big Joe wanted to follow me everywhere like a shadow, it was all Dwayne's doing.

I stared at him, dumbfounded, words failing me.

"I couldn't wait any longer," Dwayne admitted, his gaze never leaving mine. "I was afraid-afraid you'd forgive him. That you'd make the mistake of getting back together."

I blinked, utterly startled. "Seriously, Dwayne?!"

"Yes Ari-"

"Let me get this straight," I said, my voice climbing. "You came back to..." My words trailed off as my brain caught up with my emotions. "To chase me?"

"What else?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, as if daring me to argue.

I groaned inwardly. This man!

about? Because they just don't seem to have an end,"

my reasons for coming back. There are things I need to take and things I need to protect. But my intentions here are clear. I want you.

emerald eyes, he reminded me

melted into the night, blending with the soft rustle of leaves in the cool

I dropped my gaze to

knot of frustration tightened in my chest, and I

unannounced, dump all this on me, and expect me to... what? Just be

to start. What were we, Dwayne? What do you see me as? A fool you could play with?" My chest ached as

through. Truly, I am. But I wasn't a part of

hit me. Before the dinner, Jared must have suspected Big Joe, judging from

How could I explain all of these to him? How do I tell him that I had inadvertently gotten entangled with his

crashed over me-Jared, Maverick, the inevitable fallout. The last thing

to sense my spiraling thoughts. He reached for my hand,

You don't owe Jared, or anyone an explanation." "Easy for you to say," I shot back, "You spin lies and secrets like it's second nature." My voice cracked, and I buried my head in my hands. For a moment, the only sound was the rustle

grip on my hand firm but not forceful. "Sorry I've kept things from you," he admitted quietly, "but the time we spent together? That was real. Every moment." He hesitated, his voice dropping to a

very least,

giving way to a weary kind of resignation. "No more lies," I said finally, meeting his gaze. "If we're starting over, it's with the truth. All of it." The smile that spread across his face then was brighter and more genuine than I'd seen

was planning to feign an angry eyebrow, but

approaching footsteps in the distance. I let out a sigh, already knowing

my surprise, he was already on his feet, moving away with a quiet, almost cat-like grace. How did he do that so

his eyes glinting with mischief. It

want to handle this solo, or

me some peace? Talk to him. Later!

as if this was all a game,

frozen the air between them.

reached

scanning

long.

been gone

he said, his

laced with something

heavier-worry, maybe.