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."

Claire"I want to say goodbye to

of curiosity at how he referred to Maverick when he spoke to Claire like she 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

I asked, stopping

were inches away from the car. "It's not that serious, ostrich. Those two rescued Maverick

and grateful face. They were watching Dwayne and me and

time to do that, feisty cat,"

my eyes and walked towards the

the window, peering in

Uncle Dwayne," Maverick responded

say goodbye, champ," Dwayne said, his voice and eyes filled with affection. "You be good, okay? Listen

voice filled with

"Shoot, buddy," Dwayne replied.

from how serious Maverick's voice had

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

innocent; what was the

too. "I think I know what you're referring to, but I'm not making any promises, champ. Your

Maverick nodded, a thoughtful

"I know, but I just want what's best for my

and wise words from my son of almost 4, my heart still swelled with pride. At the same time, I was apprehensive

the other hand,

the discussion as his face spread more in a smile. "I think you're a pretty smart kid," he said ruffling

course,"

said,

on? Your

just what game Dwayne was trying to play. I made to stop Maverick

his eyes gleaming with amusement.

grinned, obviously proud of himself, and man, was I proud,

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