Jojo Arias, a Spanish-Filipino mestizo, didn’t expect to meet a U.S. Marine in a tony bar in the Philippines. But, Jojo can’t deny the electricity they have once he meets Adam.<br><br>Although they come from different worlds, they struggle to keep their relationship private to protect Jojo’s status and position as an heir to one of the wealthiest and powerful families in Filipino society. Billions of dollars could be easily lost if his family business is jeopardized by Jojo’s secret love affair.<br><br>Because of his standing in society, Jojo is pressured to abandon Adam and live a life in the closet. But he doesn’t want to leave the man he loves. As he struggles to maintain their secret romance, things begin to unravel and Jojo has to make a life-changing decision. Should he choose to stay with his family, or does he have the courage to pursue the love of his life?

Under the Jasmine Flowers

Like the library next door to the study, there were pictures scattered about. There were pictures of Jojo’s father with Nixon, Reagan, Ferdinand Marcos, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush. It was only through his indoc briefing that he learned that Marcos was either loved or hated by the Filipinos.


Adam would have stayed studying the pictures more but footsteps heading downstairs drew his attention and he left the study. He caught Jojo stepping from the last four steps to the terrazzo. Jojo wore an oversized white T-shirt, a pair of blue shorts that said Ateneo, and dark black ankle socks.


Adam laughed at Jojo’s childish display of jumping stairs. Jojo appeared much younger.


“Hey,” Jojo said, smiling wide. “Did you get plenty of hot water? Sometimes the water heater acts up.”


Chapter 27