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

The days passed, and Jasmine did what she always did—focused on work, kept her mind occupied, and tried not to think too much about Antonio. But that was easier said than done.

Especially when he kept appearing in her life in the most unexpected ways.

It was Friday evening when it happened again. Jasmine had just finished a long day of sessions and was locking up when she spotted a familiar figure leaning against a sleek black car outside the clinic.

Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to walk toward him calmly. "You know, normal people schedule appointments if they want to see me."

Antonio smirked. "I don't do normal."

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Clearly."

He pushed off the car, his gaze sweeping over her as if assessing her mood. "Get in."

She crossed her arms. "Not happening."

His jaw flexed slightly, but he didn't push. Instead, he took a step closer. "Konrad saw you."

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Yes, because he scheduled a session. Which, by the way, was pointless."

Antonio's eyes darkened. "You shouldn't have agreed."

She let out a short laugh. "You don't get to control who I see, Antonio."

His hand reached up, brushing against her arm lightly, the touch sending a wave of heat through her. "I'm not trying to control you, Jasmine. I'm trying to keep you safe."

Her heart stammered at the quiet intensity in his voice. She hated how easily he could affect her, how effortlessly he pulled her into his gravity.

She swallowed, forcing herself to stand her ground. "I don't need you to save me."

Antonio's gaze softened—just a fraction. "Maybe not. But I need to."

The weight of his words hung between them, heavy and unspoken.

Jasmine exhaled, stepping back. "I can't do this right now."

Antonio studied her for a moment longer, then nodded. "I'll wait."

She turned, walking away before she could second-guess herself.

But deep down, she knew—he wasn't the one waiting.

chapter twenty-two