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When Jasmine’s car collides with Antonio’s, she expects nothing more than an accident report and a headache. But from the moment he lays eyes on her, Antonio is captivated—her beauty, her presence, the quiet fire in her eyes. She’s been hurt before, and love is not something she’s searching for. All she wants is peace, warmth, and a place where she feels safe.

But Antonio is not a man who walks away from what he wants. And from the moment he sees her, he knows—he wants her.

HIS ENDEAVORS

The silence in the car was thick, filled with unspoken words neither of them seemed ready to voice.

Jasmine sat with her hands in her lap, her fingers unconsciously tracing patterns against the fabric of her dress. Antonio, seated beside her, had one hand resting on the wheel as he navigated the streets with ease.

She could feel the weight of his presence—commanding, yet oddly restrained. He wasn't pushing her, wasn't forcing the conversation. He was waiting.

Finally, she broke the silence. "Where are we going?"

Antonio glanced at her briefly before turning back to the road. "Somewhere private."

Jasmine exhaled sharply, her nerves prickling. "That's not ominous at all."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "You don't trust me."

She turned her gaze toward the window. "I don't know you well enough to trust you yet."

Antonio hummed as if her answer amused him, but he didn't push further.

After a few more minutes, they pulled up to a secluded property—a modern home with towering glass windows, perched on the edge of a hillside. Jasmine looked at the house, then back at him.

Antonio stepped out first, walking around to open her door. She hesitated before accepting his help, his fingers warm against her skin.

Inside, the space was sleek and minimalistic, but it didn't feel cold. The subtle lighting, dark wood accents, and carefully placed decor gave it a lived-in feel. She wasn't sure what she had expected, but this wasn't it.

Antonio gestured toward the couch. "Sit. I'll get us a drink."

Jasmine watched as he moved effortlessly through the space, pouring two glasses of whiskey before settling down across from her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Antonio leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Tell me what you want to know."

Jasmine swallowed, choosing her words carefully. "Why did you leave the event early?"

Antonio exhaled, taking a sip of his drink before answering. "Something came up."

Jasmine gave him a flat look. "Something, or someone?"

His lips pressed together, but there was something in his expression—a flicker of hesitation.

Jasmine frowned. "And what exactly does business mean in your world, Antonio?"

He studied her for a long moment before responding. "It means I had to handle a problem. One that wasn't meant to reach you."

Jasmine's stomach twisted. "Is this about Isabella?"

Antonio's expression darkened slightly at the mention of her name. "Partly."

Jasmine didn't look away. "I don't like being kept in the dark."

Antonio leaned back against the couch, his gaze unwavering. "And I don't like putting you in danger."

Jasmine's breath hitched slightly, but she held his gaze. "You don't get to decide that for me."

Antonio's jaw clenched. "I do when it comes to my world. And whether you like it or not, Jasmine, you've stepped into it."

The room fell into silence again, but this time it was heavier.

Jasmine knew she was at a crossroads. She could walk away now, pretend none of this ever happened. Or she could take a step forward and risk everything.

She just wasn't sure which choice was the right one.

Chapter eighteen