It took me but a moment to summon Sophia, one of several household staff who’d been infatuated with Andreos since his arrival.

To Calypso, I said, ‘We need to talk. Come with me. Sophia will look after Andreos.’

Her clear reluctance lasted for the moment it took for her to spot the piece of paper clutched in my fist. Then she slowly rose.

About to head back to my study, I changed my mind and headed up the stairs.

‘Where are we going?’

The hint of nervousness in her voice rankled further.

‘Where we won’t be disturbed,’ I replied as evenly as I could manage.

‘But...’

I stopped and turned. ‘Do you have a problem with being alone with me?’

The faintest flush crept into her cheeks, but her head remained high, her gaze bold. ‘Of course not.’

Truth be told, perhaps my suite wasn’t the best choice. Amongst everything I’d imagined might happen when I finally located my wayward wife, discovering that the chemistry that had set us aflame on our wedding night still blazed with unrelenting power was the last thing I’d expected.

The fact that I couldn’t look at the curve of her delicate jaw without imagining trailing my lips over her smooth skin, tasting the vitality of the pulse that beat at her throat or palming her now even more ample breasts was an unwelcome annoyance that nevertheless didn’t stop my mind from wandering where it shouldn’t.

Did unfettered pleasure still overtake her in that sizzling, unique way it had during our one coming together? Did she go out of her head with unbridled passion at the merest touch? If so, just who had been stoking that particular flame in her year-long absence?

It took every ounce of control I had to contain my searing jealousy at the thought. Answers to those questions would come later. This was too important.

Without stopping to further examine the wisdom of the venue, I made my way into the room.

She followed, making a point to avoid looking at the bed as she passed through into the private living room. From my position before the fireplace I watched her take a seat and neatly fold her hands in her lap. Had her pulse not been racing in her throat I would have been fooled by her complete serenity.

‘He’s mine.’

Just saying the words dragged earth-shaking emotion through me, robbing me of my next breath. That a small bundle could do that—

‘I told you he was.’

There was a new defiance in her demeanour, a quiet, fiery strength that had been there a year ago but had matured now.

‘I’ve never lied to you.’

‘Then what do you call this?’ I tossed the report on the coffee table.

She paled a little, her throat moving in another swallow. And why did I find that simple evidence that she felt something so riveting?

‘You were always going to know your son, Axios. I simply took a little time before informing you.’