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 stepped out of the clinic, exhaling as the cool air hit her skin. The session with Mr. Laurent had left her with more questions than answers, and the nagging feeling that she was being drawn into something bigger than she understood wasn't going away.

Shaking it off, she made her way toward her car, deciding to head over to her mother's flower shop. It had been a while since she last visited, and after everything that had happened, she needed the comfort of something familiar.

As she drove, she remained oblivious to the fact that she wasn't alone.

A black SUV trailed her from a distance, maintaining a perfect pace to avoid suspicion.

Inside, a man dressed in a simple black shirt and jeans sat in the driver's seat, his sharp eyes never leaving her car.

He was Dominic Vance, one of Antonio's most discreet men. Unlike Konrad, who operated in the shadows but was still known in certain circles, Dominic was a ghost. A tracker, a watcher—someone who could follow without ever being seen.

Keep Jasmine Harrington under surveillance.

She had no idea that Antonio had taken precautions without her knowledge, ensuring that she was never truly alone.

At the Flower Shop

Jasmine smiled as the bell chimed upon entering her mother's shop. The scent of fresh roses, lilies, and peonies filled the air, instantly easing some of the tension in her shoulders.

Janine Harrington appeared from the back, her apron dusted with petals and soil. Her warm smile grew at the sight of her daughter. "Jasmine, sweetheart! You finally decided to visit your mother?"

Jasmine chuckled, stepping forward to hug her. "I know, I know. I should come by more often."

Janine gave her a playful but knowing look. "You're always in that head of yours, running a hundred miles per hour. Sit, tell me what's going on."

Jasmine hesitated before sitting on one of the stools near the counter. She didn't want to worry her mother, but she also missed the comfort of talking to her.

"I just… I've been feeling like my life isn't entirely mine anymore," she admitted.

Janine's eyes softened as she reached over to tuck a stray piece of hair behind Jasmine's ear. "Is this about work? Or something else?"

Her mother studied her for a long moment before sighing. "You remind me of your father when you get like this."

Jasmine's heart clenched. "How so?"

Janine gave her a wistful smile. "He was always thinking, always questioning everything. But sometimes, Jasmine, you have to trust your gut. And if something—or someone—is making you feel like you're losing control of your own life, you need to figure out if they're worth the trouble."

Jasmine swallowed hard. Was Antonio worth the trouble?

And more importantly… was she even able to walk away at this point?

Dominic remained in his SUV, parked across the street in an unassuming position.

He watched as Jasmine laughed with her mother, noting her every movement.

His phone buzzed. A message from Antonio.

She's visiting her mother. No suspicious activity. No contact with unknowns.

A moment later, another message came through.

Keep watching. If anything seems off, notify me immediately.

Dominic exhaled, watching as Jasmine's smile faltered slightly while speaking to her mother.

She had no idea she was being watched.

And Antonio intended to keep it that way.

chapter thirty-six