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.

home," I said to both Dwayne and Jared, offering them very brief glances before I took

the car, then. Just to

blinking at him in disbelief. "Excuse

them," Dwayne chimed in smoothly, as if the suggestion were entirely reasonable. "I'll go with

clearly a small car. It can take only three besides the driver. Why must you be such a

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?

ticked. "You want to test that theory? Let's go right now." He raised his fists like he was

snapped, exasperated. "My son is right here, and you're squaring up for

it,"

You started it with

Jared fired back.

we'll all go together. Happy?" I didn't wait for a response and turned on my heel. "Come on, baby. Let's go." "Wait, surely you don't want this guy in the same car as you and Maverick," Jared

said with a wink. "You talk

up!" Jared called out and broke into a

Ashley said as we got to the car. Her

Maverick

little man?" Ashley leaned over for

for coming, Ash." I glanced over my shoulder at the two buffoons following me. "And no,

knowing smile told me she'd already

climbed

sitting here," Dwayne announced, elbowing past Jared to claim

growled, trying

triumphantly. "Hey, champ,"

no other option, he slumped into the passenger seat,

shooting a warning glance

suddenly turned to ask moments after the car

hurt him? Relax, man. You talk too much," Dwayne waved him off with a roll of his

a gesture with my head for him not

calling me talkative then?" Jared

mean you've said more words than anyone else in this car," Dwayne looked

that!" Jared hissed and reached

you two!" Ashley yelled at the top of her lungs. "Geez! Why won't you both just

time he started it,"

to stop

cuss in front of my

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

could see him struggling, trying to stop himself from revealing that he knew Uncle Dwayne far better than he knew