I ignored the blatant challenge and asked the question more important to me. ‘Is it going to hurt him?’

For the most fleeting second the charged look in his eyes dissipated. ‘No. I’m told all it requires is a swab from his cheek.’

I nodded. ‘Very well, then.’

He frowned, my easy acquiescence seemingly throwing him. But his face returned to its formidable hauteur in moments, and his strides were purposeful as he strode to the house phone and picked it up.

Before he dialled he turned to me. ‘Is the child okay to travel on a plane?’

‘The child’s name is Andreos. And I’d thank you not to make any plans without discussing them with me first.’

A muscle ticked in his jaw. ‘Why? Did you not tell me that you intended to return to Greece?’

‘Yes, I did.’

‘When exactly were you proposing to do that? When he was a year old? When he was five or perhaps ten?’ he grated out.

The cold embrace of knowing that time wasn’t on my side stalled my answer for several seconds. ‘I was thinking days—not months or years. My booking at this resort is only for a week. I was going to fly back to Athens from here.’

His lips flattened. ‘I don’t plan on leaving you behind, Calypso. My good faith where you’re concerned is gone. When I fly out of here in three hours you and the child will be by my side. And that state will continue until such time as you choose to come completely clean about your actions for the past year or I furnish myself with the information.’

After that, there really wasn’t much more to say.

Moments after Axios left my suite the head concierge arrived with instructions to get as many staff as I needed to help me pack. I almost laughed, considering my meagre belongings and everything Andreos needed could fit in one small suitcase.

I dismissed the staff and was done with my packing in twenty minutes. The rest of the time I spent sitting beside Andreos’s cot, hoping against hope that my time with him going forward would be just as peaceful as the past precious months had been. Because I didn’t intend to be separated from him for a second. Time was too precious. Too special. And I would fight for every moment.

As if aware he was at the centre of my thoughts, he stirred and woke, his face remaining solemn for a few seconds before a toothless smile creased his chubby face. Blinking back the tears of joy that just looking at him prompted, I scooped him up and cradled him close.

By the time Axios knocked on the door we were both ready.

After another taut spell of staring at Andreos with turbulent eyes, he eyed the single suitcase with grating consternation. ‘This is all you have?’

‘I believe in travelling light.’

His expression darkened. ‘What about safety equipment for the baby? A car seat?’