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 had promised Penelope she would go out, mostly because her best friend had insisted she needed a distraction.

The club was loud, the bass thrumming through the floor as bodies moved together in a chaotic rhythm. It wasn't Jasmine's usual scene, but Penelope had dragged her here with the promise of a carefree night—one that didn't involve overthinking Antonio Romano or the complications he brought into her life.

But even as she sipped her drink, letting the music wash over her, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

"You okay?" Penelope nudged her shoulder, her eyes already a little hazy from the cocktails.

Jasmine forced a smile. "Yeah. Just tired."

Penelope gave her a knowing look. "If you say so. But for once, try not to think so much. Just enjoy yourself."

Jasmine nodded, but her mind was elsewhere.

Then, as if summoned by her unease, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Well, well. Fancy seeing you here."

Jasmine turned, and her breath hitched.

Konrad Conner stood a few feet away, dressed in a dark button-up, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. He looked completely at ease, as if he had been expecting to see her.

Penelope, oblivious to the tension, raised an eyebrow. "Friend of yours?"

Jasmine hesitated. "Something like that."

Konrad chuckled. "We just met, sweetheart. But I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of each other."

Jasmine's stomach twisted. She wasn't sure what he wanted from her, but she knew one thing—Konrad wasn't the type to make casual appearances. If he was here, there was a reason.

And she had a feeling it had everything to do with Antonio.

"What do you want, Konrad?" she asked, keeping her voice even.

Konrad tilted his head slightly, his smirk never faltering. "Just keeping an eye on things."

He lifted his drink in mock agreement. "You catch on quick."

Jasmine clenched her jaw. "Tell Antonio I don't need a babysitter."

Konrad took a slow sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. "Oh, sweetheart, Antonio didn't send me."

Jasmine straightened. "Then why are you here?"

Konrad leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough for only her to hear. "Because you're not the only one being watched tonight."

Before she could respond, Penelope grabbed her arm. "Come on, let's dance."

Jasmine hesitated, but Konrad gave her a slow, knowing smile. "Go ahead. Have fun."

She didn't trust him. But standing there, doing nothing, wasn't an option either.

So, forcing herself to push the unease aside, she let Penelope pull her onto the dance floor.

But no matter how much she tried to lose herself in the music, she could feel it.

Konrad wasn't the only one watching.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

chapter twenty-three