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

Two bickering men

(ARIELLE'S POV)

After what felt like an eternity, dinner finally ended. I thanked Nana Jean and Jared's mother with my best polite smile, though I was practically vibrating with the urge to bolt.

As I rose from the table, Jared was already at my side, like a shadow that had been waiting for its cue.

"I'll walk you out," he said.

I nodded, not in the mood to refute. All I wanted was to be out of here as fast as possible. As we reached the front door, he turned to me, his eyes imploring.

"Arielle, can I come back home with you?" He asked, his eyes pleading.

I blinked. The hell? Why would he bring this up again? We had discussed it and reached an agreement!

I braced myself, assuming a cold expression. "No, Jared. We've spoken about this, and my stance is final," my voice was firm, but my heart wasn't. I didn't know why I felt a jab in my heart. Ugh, traitorous heart.

His face fell, but he nodded like someone accepting a death sentence. "I get it. But I have to say this-I'm worried about you. A lot happened today, and I don't think it's safe for you and Maverick to be alone."

I tried to brush it off, refusing to give in to any thought that will make me develop a second thought about my decision. "We'll be fine, Jared. We don't need protection."

"I know you don't want me back at your place and I totally understand, but at least let me drive you two home and ensure that you're safe. Please. It would give me the reassurance I need to know that you're both okay. After all, I kept you both out this late." Before I could formulate a polite way to shut him down, a voice interrupted from behind, one I recognized all too well.

"I'm happily volunteering to drive them home," Dwayne said, striding over with that infuriating smile of his.

Jared's head whipped around so fast I thought he might sprain something. His expression immediately darkened. "And who are you to do that?" he snapped, his jaw tight enough to crack walnuts.

Dwayne's eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, you know, just someone who cares about their safety. Same as you. And besides, what's wrong with me wanting to drive my kid brother's family home?" He said the last words, spreading his hands.

I felt my anger rising as the two grown men stood there, arguing over me like I was some kind of person prize to be won.

"That's enough!" I shouted. "Just shut up, both of you."

They stopped arguing, their eyes turning to me in surprise.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I can get myself and my son home safely. Thank you, but I don't need any of you to drive us."

As if on cue, the sound of a car engine idling broke the tense silence. All three of us turned to see a small grey car pulling up to the house. Through the windshield, I could easily spot Ashley's silhouette behind the wheel. She brought the car to a smooth stop, her hand waving enthusiastically at me and Maverick.

I had texted her during dinner, explaining the situation, and bless her timing-she'd come through.

I said to both Dwayne and Jared, offering them very

with you in the car, then.

at him in disbelief.

Dwayne chimed in smoothly, as if the

Can you get any more ridiculous than you already are? It's clearly a small car. It can

me? It's you who's being a child, little brother. Technically, there's so much I can do to protect them. But what can you do? You

theory? Let's go right now."

is right here, and you're squaring up for a brawl like we're on a

it,"

You started it with your

Jared fired back.

response and turned on my heel.

little brother," Dwayne said with a wink. "You talk too

Jared called out and broke into a

as we got to the car. Her eyes were lit

Ashley!" Maverick beamed in

leaned over for

"Thanks for coming, Ash." I glanced over my shoulder at the two buffoons following me. "And no, I don't want to talk about

it." Her knowing smile told

I climbed into the

elbowing past Jared to

you're not!" Jared growled,

and smirked triumphantly. "Hey, champ," he said, ruffling Maverick's

if I could magically fix this circus. With no other option, he slumped into the passenger seat, muttering under his breath. "Everyone settled?" Ashley

I muttered, shooting a warning

okay, back there, buddy?" Jared suddenly turned to ask moments after the

him? Relax, man. You talk too much," Dwayne

mine and made a gesture with my head

calling me talkative then?" Jared turned to face

than anyone else in this car," Dwayne looked at

bloody tongue for that!" Jared hissed and reached over the seat to

of her lungs. "Geez! Why won't you

time he started it," Jared looked

to stop it," I cut back

cuss in front of

"Mummy, what's...?" Maverick

himself from revealing that he knew Uncle Dwayne far better than he knew his own