Page 55 of Alone with the Beastly Duke
“Nothing could possibly keep us away from our daughter. We came back as soon as we could,” the Countess replied and then gasped. “There she is.”
Axel turned instinctively to see Jasmine with the broadest smile ever on her face.
“Mama! Papa!” she gasped and then ran the rest of the way to her parents. She hurled herself at them, hugging her parents tightly.
The Countess laughed and patted her back.
“Why, Jasmine! You look radiant as ever!” the Countess observed.
“She does not even look like she has been sad to be away from her family,” the Earl commented.
Jasmine laughed. “When I got your letter that you would not be able to come back for me, I had no choice but to get used to your absence,” she replied.
“What letter are you talking about?”
Axel watched as the reunited family laughed between each other. Watching Jasmine with her family, being so carefree and happy, tightened Axel’s resolve to break things off with her. The last thing he wanted was for this beautiful family to get ruined because of him. He vowed there and then to do whatever Dorothy required of him just so that Jasmine and her family would have no reason to suffer any ruin.
“Where are William and Rose and…?”
“They are all at home, eagerly awaiting your arrival,” the Earl replied. “Now, let us head home.”
“Oh, I am leaving for home right now?” Jasmine asked, and the smile on her face faded just a little.
She took a glance at Axel, and he quickly averted his gaze. He did not want to make this any more challenging than it already was.
“Your Grace, would you be so kind as to join us for dinner today?” the Countess invited Axel.
“Oh, you do not have to bother,” Axel said, smiling. The last thing he needed was to get distracted by dinner when he had Dorothy trying to blackmail him.
“It is not a bother, Your Grace. We would love to host you to dinner the Thornhill way,” she continued.
“I would rather not, Lady Hudson. I…” he started.
“Nonsense!” the Earl cut in. “You hosted our daughter during our absence and ensured that she was housed, fed, and protected. The least we can do for you is to host you for dinner. Nothing we can do can repay for your kindness to our daughter, so kindly consider honoring our invitation.”
“You should come, Your Grace,” Jasmine suggested, her eyes boring into his. “Our cook makes the best-roasted chicken, and everyone in the Ton can testify to that.”
Axel shrugged. “I suppose I have no choice but to come,” he said while ensuring his eyes did not quite meet Jasmine’s.
“Now, Jasmine, let us head home. I suppose your siblings are dying to see you again after all these days,” the Earl said. “The maids will bring your clothes and other belongings back home.”
With that, the Earl and the Countess led Jasmine out of the house. Axel watched with an aching heart as she left, knowing that this was the last time Jasmine would be stepping into his house.
What they had shared these past few days had been nothing short of heavenly, but he knew, it was over now. As Jasmine walked away with her parents, she glanced back at him. Axel quickly averted his eyes and concentrated on looking at the beautiful greenery of his landscape. He ensured that they had completely walked away before taking his eyes off the bleak grass he had stared at to avoid Jasmine’s gaze.
In frustration, he ran a hand through his hair and swore under his breath. He could not believe how complicated things had just become.
It was not enough that his former lover was blackmailing him; Jasmine had also been taken away by her family without him having the opportunity to break things off with her as Dorothy had demanded. Now, he had also been invited to dinner at the Thornhill’s house.
Axel had woken up in high spirits, and it was not even noon yet, but his life had somehow gotten more complicated than he could ever envisage.
I have to get things back in order by dawn tomorrow.
He was a man; he had to get things back in control. He had to, not for himself but for Jasmine. She did not deserve to have her life ruined just because she made the mistake of getting involved with him.
ChapterEighteen
“Icannot believe you had to live in the Nordic Beast’s house,” Daphne said, her eyes twinkling excitedly.
