mango_latte

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

Jasmine tried to ignore the feeling creeping up her spine as she moved with Penelope on the dance floor. The music was loud, bodies pressed together, but none of it could shake the weight of Konrad's words.

"You're not the only one being watched tonight."

Her eyes subtly scanned the crowd, searching for anything—or anyone—out of place.

A man lingering near the bar, watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver through her. He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in dark clothing, his expression unreadable. But there was something about him that put her on edge.

Penelope leaned in, shouting over the music, "You okay?"

Jasmine forced a smile. "Yeah. Just need some air."

Penelope frowned. "Want me to come with you?"

She shook her head. "I'll be quick."

With one last glance toward the bar—where the man was still watching—she slipped through the crowd and made her way to the exit.

The night air was a welcome contrast to the heat inside. Jasmine inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.

She wasn't paranoid. She knew when she was being watched.

She spun around, heart slamming against her ribs.

He stood a few feet away, leaning against the wall, a cigarette between his fingers. His expression was unreadable, but his tone was almost amused.

Jasmine folded her arms. "Do you always lurk in the shadows?"

Konrad exhaled smoke slowly. "Only when I have a reason."

She narrowed her eyes. "Who was he?"

Konrad didn't even pretend to play dumb. He glanced back toward the club entrance, then shrugged. "Someone who shouldn't be here."

Jasmine swallowed. "Is he watching me because of Antonio?"

Her chest tightened. "And the other part?"

Konrad studied her for a moment before pushing off the wall. "Antonio isn't the only one with enemies, sweetheart. You might want to start thinking about that."

A cold wave of fear washed over her.

She turned just as Penelope stepped outside, her brows furrowed. "Everything okay?"

Jasmine forced herself to nod. "Yeah. Just getting some air."

Penelope eyed Konrad, then crossed her arms. "Who's this?"

Penelope nodded, still looking between them suspiciously, before linking her arm with Jasmine's.

As they walked away, Jasmine could feel Konrad watching.

And as much as she wanted to pretend everything was normal, she knew it wasn't.

And she had a feeling she was right in the middle of it.

chapter twenty-four