Your use of force was excessive. I’m sure there must be an intercom or house phone you could use next time you wish to check on me.”

“Maybe you don’t lock the door next time.”

Her brows pulled. “I always lock my bedroom door.”

“Even in your own home?”

“I live alone. I lock doors.”

“Is Atlanta so very dangerous?”

“The world is dangerous.” Her voice was cool, almost clinical. “If I don’t lock my door, I can’t sleep.”

“You’re safe here.”

Her chin lifted, her smooth jaw firming as her gaze met his. “I’m not sure what that means.”

He was baffled by her response. “You can relax here. Nothing will hurt you here.”

“Does that include you?”

Nikos stiffened. He took a step away, glancing past her to the water, and yet all he could see was Elsa. Elsa, who had been afraid of everything he was.

“I wouldn’t hurt you,” he ground out, forcing his gaze back to Georgia. “The reason you are here now is that I want to ensure your safety. Your well-being is imperative to my son’s well-being. You will have only the best of care on Kamari.”

She stared back at him, blue eyes bright and clear, as well as thoughtful. She was weighing his words, assessing them for herself. “I don’t need care. I need space and respect.”

“Which you will have, along with proper care.”

She continued to hold his gaze. “I am not sure your idea of proper care and mine are the same thing. In fact, I’m sure it’s not. For me, proper care would have been remaining at home, close to my sister and obstetrician. I would have felt healthier and safer with my doctor and family nearby.”

“I have hired the best obstetrician and pediatrician in Greece. Both will attend the delivery, and the obstetrician will see you once a month until you are close to delivery.”

“I would have been happier at home, though.”

“Once the newness wears off, I think you will find it quite restful here.”

A spark flickered in her eyes. Her lips compressed. “I don’t think you’re understanding what I’m saying. When I agreed to the surrogacy I never expected spending time here, with you. That wasn’t part of the initial agreement. Indeed, I wouldn’t have agreed to the surrogacy if I’d known that I had to spend the final trimester here. I’m not happy being here. This isn’t good for me.”

“You’ve been compensated for coming to Kamari, generously compensated.”

“But money isn’t everything.” Her chin notched up. “And I am not going to have you throwing money in my face. It’s rude and demeaning.”

“But you chose to be a donor and surrogate for the money.”

“I needed to pay for medical school for my sister and me, but I also wanted to do something good.