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!

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

dropped to a half-squat in front of me, bringing his face level with mine. "Arielle," he began, his voice soft yet firm, "I have 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. Call me

this angle, with his disheveled hair and those striking emerald eyes, he reminded me of a rain-soaked

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

him-really couldn't-so I dropped my gaze to the ground, focusing on

timing. A knot of frustration tightened in my chest, and I couldn't help the flicker of irritation that

dump

don't even know where to start. What were we, Dwayne? What do you see me

I am. But I wasn't a part of

Jared must have suspected Big Joe, judging from his cryptic questions

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

inevitable fallout. The last thing I wanted

to sense my spiraling thoughts. He

I swear. You don't owe Jared, or anyone an explanation." "Easy for you to say," I shot back, "You spin lies and secrets

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

At the very least,

kind of resignation. "No more lies," I said finally, meeting his gaze. "If we're starting over, it's with the truth.

infectious, I was planning to feign an angry eyebrow, but eventually couldn't help but

I heard approaching footsteps in the distance. I let out a sigh, already knowing who it was before I even

darted back to Dwayne, but to my surprise, he was already on his feet, moving away with a quiet, almost cat-like grace. How did he do

knowing smile, his eyes glinting with mischief. It dawned on me he'd spotted

do you want to handle this solo,

me some peace? Talk to him. Later! Not me, not Maverick!"

this was all

the air between them. Neither said a word, but the tension was

finally reached

over me, scanning my

long.

been gone

he said, his voice

laced with something

heavier-worry, maybe.