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

He was utterly confused and his heart told him conflicting things.


Knock on the door. Confront Adam. Confront Adam’s ex.


No! Leave! You were stupid to believe this was real. Your fears were right. He’d return to California and forget you.


His mind went on autopilot, and he walked the broken driveway back to his rental car. He took out Adam’s rollaway, and cursed slightly when some of his old Kleenex with dried blood flew out of the car, and underneath the rental.


He walked back to the house and put Adam’s rollaway on the steps, trying to ignore the laughter he heard coming from the house. He should’ve left the luggage on the side of the road but even he couldn’t be that heartless. His head hung low as he thought of the sacrifices he made to get to this point. He left his family, Erwin, Janeth, her sisters, and Tiny.


Adam’s laughter knifed him. His heart was shattering and he couldn’t wait to get away from Bakersfield.


Chapter 76