Page 175 of Modern Romance June 2025 1-4

‘That’s not necessary,’ she managed.

‘As you wish,amore mio.’ He kissed her on the forehead, a small, loving yet possessive touch. It was all for show, but she felt it everywhere in her body.

‘Who are you?’ she heard Richard ask.

‘Emilio De Luca.’

Jasmine saw both Richard’s and Zara’s eyes widen. It would have been comical if it hadn’t been so satisfying. Maybe that was petty, but Jasmine didn’t care. She was just grateful that Emilio was with her, lending her the strength that had gone missing when she’d needed it most.

And the fact that she was grateful for his strength was supremely disappointing. It made her want to pull away from him to prove to herself that she could deal with this on her own.

Almost as though he could hear her thoughts, Emilio’s hold around her waist tightened fractionally. The power in his body undeniably a comfort.

‘When did this happen?’ Richard demanded, as if he had any right to ask. As if he hadn’t been the one sleeping with her best friend formonthsprior to their wedding.

How should she answer, in any case? Should she tell the truth or should she be vague? They were supposedly engaged, but she didn’t have a ring on her finger. She settled on saying exactly what she felt. ‘You don’t get to ask me that.’

‘Jasmine, can’t we at least be civil?’ Zara asked pleadingly.

The nerve!

‘No,’ Emilio said. ‘I suggest you leave, and I strongly urge you to reconsider any thoughts about coming back here.’

Jasmine was certain that tone had most of the world bowing to Emilio’s demands. And it looked as if Richard and Zara were no exception.

Before the pair had even had a chance to turn and walk away, Emilio’s focus was on her. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked.

‘I am,’ Jasmine said softly.

And then he leaned down and kissed her. And, just like the first time, the moment their lips met she was consumed. Transported away from this place or time. She existed only in this plane where Emilio granted her pleasure, and she pressed her body to his, wanting more.

This is why you don’t want to be physical with him.But there was a battle within her between what she wanted and what sheneeded. The problem was that she couldn’t tell which was which. It was only the band of Emilio’s arm dropping away that made her finally put some space between them, force herself to step back.

As she did so, she spotted Richard’s car driving by. Both he and Zara were watching her.

‘Let them look.’

How did Emilio keep reading her mind?

‘I will be back this evening to take you home,’ he said.

‘You know I can get myself home. I’ve been doing so for years.’ The hint of annoyance audible in her voice was welcome. It made her feel more like herself, less shaken from the interaction with her ex.

‘I know you can, but we will have a few things to discuss. I’ll see you later.’

Jasmine didn’t respond. There was no point.

She walked away, feeling utterly conflicted. She didn’t have anyone in her life who came to her aid quite like Emilio just had. While it felt good to be part of someone’s team, she was also royally irritated that she had liked leaning on him. And why must he make her body come alive with the simplest touch?

Her mood didn’t improve much throughout the day, because Emilio was never far from her mind. And, while her office was usually a great escape, he had been there too. There was no reprieve!

When she finally left the office that night, she found Emilio’s Maybach parked out front. This time it was his driver who held the door open.

‘Thank you…?’

‘James, ma’am.’

‘Thank you, James.’ She gave him a small smile and entered the car, where Emilio was seated with a velvet box in his hand. She settled in the seat, closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

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