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

Sly one

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I felt my face heat up. Before Dwayne could notice, I quickly said, louder than necessary,

"Okay, so much for this. I really need to go, or Maverick and I will be late." I stepped forward, ready to make my escape.

Dwayne nodded, as calm as ever. "Of course."

I nodded back and started to walk away, but before I could take another step, two figures appeared, heading straight toward us.

I froze, casting a questioning look at Dwayne. I didn't recognize them, but it was clear they were focused on him.

Dwayne was already translating my look. "They mean no harm, Arielle. They're my workers."

He turned to the two individuals who had already gotten to us. "This is Rodrigo and Claire. They're part of my team and they relocated with me."

I took a moment to glance at the newcomers without giving myself away. Claire was a tall, imposing woman with short bob-cut hair and piercing grey eyes. She had a nose piercing and a no-nonsense look about her, and I couldn't help but feel a little fazed.

Rodrigo, on the other hand, looked a bit more approachable. He was equally tall and lean, with a mane of messy brown hair and warm honey-brown eyes. He smiled at me, and I eased up a bit.

"And this is Arielle," Dwayne said, glancing at me with a faint pause before finishing. "She's my... good friend." He stressed the words as if they carried some hidden weight, and I didn't miss the slight hesitation.

"Rodrigo and Claire will be at your service, Arielle. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to them. I'll leave your number with them if you don't mind."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. More Mafia bodyguards? Seriously? Do I look like someone who needs an entourage?

But I held my tongue. Arguing with Dwayne was pointless, especially since I was already late. Besides, if I ever ended up in real danger, it'd probably be because of him or Jared anyway.

I nodded at the duo, trying to hide my unease.

"Nice to meet you two."

dog's leash to Claire"I want to say goodbye to Maverick," he

knew him. Unable to rein in my curiosity, I asked, "You spoke about Maverick to her like she knew him." "That's because she knows him," he said, like a stranger I knew nothing about knowing my son was the most

I asked, stopping in my tracks with a huge

stopped as well; by now, we were inches away from the car. "It's not that serious, ostrich. Those two rescued

anger simmering at the surface, abating. I turned back to look at the duo, this time with a relaxed and grateful face. They were watching Dwayne and me and immediately averted their gaze

do that, feisty cat," he

and walked towards the car, and

peering in at Maverick. "Hi, man," he called, a warm smile

Dwayne," Maverick

voice and eyes filled with affection. "You be good, okay? Listen to your

little voice filled with sincerity. "But

"Shoot, buddy," Dwayne replied.

too was curious judging from how serious Maverick's

you going to talk to Mom about...you know?" Maverick asked, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial

myself from playfully rolling my eyes. Children are indeed innocent; what was the

chuckled, playing along by lowering his voice, too. "I think I know what you're referring to, but I'm not making any promises, champ. Your mom's a smart woman, and she

Maverick nodded, a thoughtful

like it would, on an adult. "I know, but I just want what's best for my mom. I don't want to interfere in

almost 4, my heart still swelled with pride. At the same

the other hand,

ruffling Maverick's hair. "And your Dad and I are not fighting over your mom. Right, Arielle?" He said the last words,

course," I

said, a mischievous look appearing

on? Your dad's or

was trying to play. I made to stop Maverick as I feared his response, but to my surprise, he

gleaming with amusement. "You're a

and man, was I proud,

said. "We're running late. Bye, Dwayne," I said the