I couldn't believe it. Arthur? Why was he writing to Jack? And what about?

I didn't have much of a chance to find out. Jack walked through the door a second later. His face lit up with excitement as he saw me sitting naked on the floor.

At least, until he saw what I was holding. The smile immediately fell from his face. He looked at the floor and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I guess I should have known trying to keep that from you was pointless," he muttered.

"Why would you try to hide something like this from me?"

He looked a little surprised. "You didn't read the letter?"

I shrugged vaguely. He smiled a bit and walked towards me. He lowered himself to the floor and sat next to me, pulling me close to his side. I was careful to keep the letter out of his reach as he did.

He chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I'm not going to take it. There's no point anymore. If I try, you'll just obsess about it all day. Then I'll never get to have that bath with you."

I smiled a little at this. "So, it's okay if I read it then?"

He shrugged. "Go ahead. After all, you're the one who's going to have to deal with it anyway."

His words sounded a bit ominous. I had a bad feeling as I unfolded the letter.

Jack,

Hello. I'm sure, by now, you already know me, but I'm afraid I've only just learned about you. This is Arthur.

Before I start, I'm sorry to say I have a request to make of you. Please don't show this letter to Anna.

If she's half as honest with you as she is with me, then I'm sure you already know everything that's been going on between her and I recently. And if you know her half as well as I do, I'm sure you also know how much she worries about us.

I can only imagine how troublesome we must be to her as individuals, and I'd rather not make it worse by having her know that we're talking too. I'm sure she'd tear her hair out at the roots if she knew I was writing this letter to you. So, please, keep it to yourself if you can.

That being said, here is the real reason I'm writing you. Consider this a declaration of war. I'm fully aware of the the kind of relationship you and "Victor" have with her, and I'm here to say that I refuse to let either of you surpass me in the fight for her heart. Be prepared, because now that I've joined the battle, I definitely won't lose.

Arthur

I groaned, tossing the letter away. Of course, being paper, it just fluttered gently to the floor. Almost like it was mocking me. I sighed and rested my head against my knees.

"No," I practically begged. "Not another one."

Jack chuckled and draped his arm across my shoulder. "Oh, come on. It has to be comforting to know that he cares about you so much."

"Easy for you to say," I huffed. "Unlike somebody, there's only one of me!"

"And yet, you've somehow managed to seduce three drastically different men into falling hopelessly in love with you," he teased.

"Wrong. 'Seduce' implies that I planned it. You're the ones that have been chasing me around," I explained.

He shrugged. "What can I say? We all seem to have exceptional taste in women. In fact, that seems to be the only thing we can all agree on. I guess you're just too tempting to resist."

He smiled and leaned in to kiss my neck. As he did, his hand rested on my waist. The heat from his skin made me shiver slightly.

Despite my annoyance with Arthur and his letter, that didn't change the fact that my body was still electrified from earlier. The letter might have helped to dull it, but one little touch from Jack was all I needed to reignite the burning flame inside my body. God, I hated how easily he could do that to me.

He chuckled softly as he felt my body tremble beneath his touch. "My, my. You're shaking. You must be freezing. How about a nice, hot bath to help take the chill off?"

The husky tone of his voice left me as breathless as ever. All I could do was nod. But that was all the confirmation he needed. He lifted me into his arms without much effort and carried me to the bathroom.

I could see the faint traces of steam even before the bath came into view. It wasn't like this was the first time we'd taken a bath together, but somehow, knowing what we were about to do made it seem ten times more intimidating.

He lowered me gently until I was sitting on the edge of the bath. Despite the air in the room being so warm, I shivered as the smooth, cold tile pressed against my bare skin.

I half-watched as he walked around to the other side. A loud pop finally made me turn around and look at him. He smiled at me as I watched him pour a couple glasses of wine.

"Since we're reliving old times," he said playfully, setting them on the edge of the bath.

I frowned. "Jack, it's not even noon yet."

A sharp crackle cut through the air at that moment. "Ms. Walton."

"Au contraire," he laughed, pressing a button on the side of the bath. "It's Mr. Weston, Philip. We'll be down a bit late. Feel free to head home. We'll see you again at dinner."

"Yes, Sir."

Jack smiled at me as if he'd won some kind of battle. I just scowled at him. However, he apparently decided to ignore that fact. He stepped into the tub and sunk down slowly, making himself comfortable.

"Ah, there's nothing like a nice, hot bath. Especially with a good glass of wine." He grabbed one of the glasses and took a sip. "In fact, I think there's really only one thing that could make this even better."

I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes. "Gee, wonder what that could be."

"Now, Darling, don't be bitter. Come join me," he insisted. "Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely view from my angle, but I didn't exactly bring you here just to stare at you, now did I?"

I couldn't help smiling a little as he said that. "So, what did you bring me here to do then?"

"Why don't you come over here and find out?"

Although I already had a pretty good idea of what was waiting for me, that didn't stop me from being curious about what exactly he had in mind. That said, I wasn't going to make it too easy for him.

I turned around and dipped my feet into the bath, sliding my body into the water slowly. His eyes brightened a little as I did, but that brightness quickly faded as soon as he realized that I wasn't moving closer. I leaned against the edge, smiling at him.

"Why are you so far away? Come closer," he said, waving me over.

I moved a little closer to where he was, but still kept my distance. "Here?"

He frowned. "Anna, stop teasing. You know what I mean. Here. With me."

I giggled and moved until I was sitting next to him. "Oh, here?"

He stared down at me for a while. I could feel his eyes as they tried exploring my body beneath the surface of the water. When that didn't work, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his lap. He smiled at the surprise on my face.

"There. Isn't that so much nicer?" He asked, grabbing the other glass of wine and handing it to me.

I took a small sip from it, but I couldn't help feeling a little guilty as I did. Drinking in the afternoon? God, I hoped this was one of the things Victor didn't remember. I'd never hear the end of it if he did.

As if he could sense my thoughts were wandering, Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. It sent an instant thrill throughout my body. He always seemed to know exactly what to do to get my attention.

A hot bath, good wine, sitting naked in his lap like this. It really did bring back such nostalgic memories.

So did his hands. I could feel them beneath the water, slowly tracing my curves. It was like they were savoring every inch of my body. It was gentle, comforting in a way. I moaned softly as I leaned into his kiss.

However, it didn't take long before he made it clear he wanted to move on to "other" things. His hand slid between my thighs. His fingers brushed against my clit. It wasn't much, just a light, teasing touch, but it was more than enough to have me begging for more.

He pulled back from our kiss and smiled at me. Even after all this time, I couldn't help but blush at the lustful way he stared at me. His free hand brushed across my cheek.

"Now, I think we both know I can't do what I have in mind with you in the water," he murmured. "Do you want to get out yourself? Or would you prefer that I take you out?"

Logic told me that it would be better to get out myself and try to minimize the damage that would inevitably happen to my body. That being said, I couldn't really give two fucks what was logical at that moment.

I wanted to be stubborn right now. I wanted him to pamper me and spoil me. I wanted to frustrate him until he couldn't take it anymore. I wanted him to leave my body a broken and breathless mess. Even if I'd regret it tomorrow.

He seemed to realize this too. That, or he was already tired of waiting for me to answer. Either way, he quickly lifted me onto the edge of the tub and forced my legs apart, staring hungrily at what was waiting there for him.

I shivered slightly as the cooler air from the bathroom chilled my exposed skin. I watched as he reached over and grabbed his glass of wine. He never took his eyes off of me as he brought it to his lips and took a small sip.

As he did, I noticed him pause briefly. He finally moved his eyes from my body and looked down at the glass. It seemed like he was deep in thought about something.

"Is something wrong with the wine?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No, I was just wondering if I could make it taste any better."

"Better? How?"

I wished I hadn't asked. The moment I did, his eyes flashed with lust. A wicked smile filled his face. He leaned forward and slowly poured the ruby liquid between my legs.

I squealed a bit as the cold wine splashed over my hot lower lips. However, the cold sensation didn't last for long. He quickly shoved his face between my thighs and started to lap up all the sweet juices that dripped there.

I moaned and squirmed under his tongue. He licked me hungrily. As if he'd die if he didn't drink every last drop from me.

My body was already far beyond its limits. He'd been teasing me for hours, and now, my body was done waiting. The way his strong hands gripped my thighs, the heat of his skin against mine, the way his tongue seemed to know exactly where to go to drive me crazy. I just couldn't take it anymore.

My hands tangled in his hair, pressing him closer to my throbbing clit. Moans spilled from my mouth as my hips rocked against his face. I heard him slurping at my juices, anxious to drink every drop I was willing to give him.

Slowly, the wave of pleasure started to pass. I untangled my hands from him and gripped the edge of the bath, panting heavily. He pulled away from me and smiled, licking his lips.

"I was right. It's delicious this way," he murmured playfully.

"You really are a pervert," I muttered, avoiding his eyes.

He chuckled and stood up. My eyes naturally fell on his hard member. He grabbed my hips and pulled me closer to him, pressing the tip against my entrance.

"Normally, I wouldn't mind moving a bit slower and enjoying those lovely lips of yours," he murmured, tilting my head up so I was looking at him. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid my body's already at its limit."

Mine too. I was already aching for him to fill me. I spread my legs a little wider, welcoming him in. He smiled at this.

"Actually, if you don't mind, can we try something different?" He asked.

"Different?"

He tugged at my wrists gently, leading me to stand up. As I did, he slowly spun me around. His fingers brushed the hair from my neck. His lips trailed kisses across my shoulder. His arms wrapped around my waist, pressing my back into his chest.

"Well, this is nice, but I'd hardly call it different," I teased.

"Oh, this?" His voice was low. His lips brushed against my ear as he spoke. "This is just foreplay."

His arm tightened around my waist as he pressed against my back, forcing me to bend forward. I grabbed the edge of the bath for support. What did he have planned exactly?

My question was quickly answered as he thrust himself inside of me. I gasped from the unexpected pleasure that suddenly filled me. My arms collapsed beneath me, my breasts pressing against the cool tiles of the bath.

It looked like he really wasn't going to take his time today. He thrust into me wildly, water splashing up around us. My body shivered at all the conflicting sensations. Hot water, cold tile, his gentle hands, his rough thrusts. It was ecstasy beyond description.

Apparently, he felt the same way. I could hear him grunting softly as he thrust into me. He moved his hand down and started to rub my clit. I whimpered a bit as he did. I heard him inhale sharply.

"God, I love the way you tighten around me." His voice was low and husky.

I said before that I wanted him to break me, and it seemed like he was more than happy to fulfil that wish. His thrust were rough. It was like I could feel every inch of his member as he forced it inside of me again and again.

My body was electrified. They say electricity and water don't mix well and god, they were certainly right. I felt like I was about to explode at any moment. Luckily, it looked like he was too.

His fingers worked at my clit desperately. His teeth grazed against my shoulder. I could feel his ragged breathing against my wet skin. He pressed me further against the edge of the bath. And right into the perfect position.

The sound that exited my lips could hardly be called a moan. It was more of an animalistic cry, an expression of pure lust. It coursed through my body as he pressed against that perfect spot inside of me again and again. Instinctively, I started rocking my hips against him, begging for more.

Apparently, that was all he could take. A low growl came from somewhere in his throat. He grabbed my hips and forced himself as deep as he could go. I could feel his member pulsing inside of me as he filled me with his juices.

I loved it. I loved the feeling of him deep inside of me. I loved the way he filled me until I couldn't take it anymore. I loved the way his warmth spread throughout me. I loved him.

My cries echoed in the bathroom as my body again convulsed in ecstasy. I could here the faint dripping sounds as his juices leaked out from me and fell into the water below. There was something so dirty about it that just sent a thrill throughout my body.

That thrill only increased as he finally pulled out of me. I shivered as I felt the rest of his warmth rush out of me, running down the inside of my thighs.

I heard him take a shaky breath. He reached out and placed his hand on my thighs, spreading my lower lips slightly as he did so. He gulped audibly.

"God, that's a beautiful sight," he almost whispered.

I lifted myself up slowly. My arms were like jelly beneath me as I tried leaning against the side of the bath for support. My legs weren't much better, but still, I managed to stand on them well enough to turn around and face him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning against his chest.

He didn't seem to mind one bit. Instead, he held me closer. He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. As he pulled away, he smiled down at me lovingly.

"So... was it everything you'd hoped it would be," I teased.

He pressed his forehead to mine, tucking my hair behind my ear. "As always, you managed to exceed my expectations."

"Why thank you, Sir."

He chuckled as he pulled me back into the tub with him. The water may not have been as hot as it was when we first got in, but it's heat still helped to soothe my overworked muscles. He settled me in his lap, rubbing my back gently. It all felt so warm and comforting. I sighed contentedly.

"Happy, Darling?"

I smiled as I rested my head against his chest. "I always am with you."

We stayed that way for a while. Basking in the warm water and the afterglow. Occasionally we'd have a sip or two of wine, but mostly, we stayed silent.

After a while I finally sighed and forced myself to stand up. He frowned a bit, trying to pull me back into his lap.

"Why?" He pouted.

"We can't stay in the bath all day. We haven't eaten lunch yet, I still need to do inspection later, and besides, I'm starting to get pruney."

I grimaced a bit as I held out my slightly wrinkled fingers to show him. He smiled and grabbed them gently, bringing them to his lips.

"What? I think you make a lovely raisin," he teased.

I rolled my eyes and splashed him with some water. He chuckled and held up his arms to block it. I nudged his leg under the water with my foot.

"Come on. Out of the bath. We can always take another one next time," I reminded him.

"Promise?"

His tone was playful, but I could hear a hint of real curiosity as well. I leaned in and gave him another soft kiss.

"Promise," I reassured him.

He sighed but, very reluctantly, got out of the bath. I grabbed us a couple of clean towels from the closet and tossed one to him. He was still pouting as he dried off.

"Sulking won't do you any good," I said sternly. "We have things to do. There's just no getting around it."

"You have things to do," he grumbled. "And, honestly, you don't really have to do them either. After all, I'm the one who's 'hiring' you, so to speak. Trust me, your job's not in any danger."

I smiled a little at this. I knew he was right. I'm pretty sure my position in this house was probably safe no matter how much I slacked off.

"Hmm, I don't know," I mused playfully. "What if you're not satisfied with my performance?"

"Trust me, I'm more than satisfied with your performance."

He smacked my ass as he walked past me. I glared at him a bit, but he just winked at me.

It wasn't hard for him to make me crack a smile. I rolled my eyes and followed him into the bedroom. I immediately headed for the closet. He frowned again.

"Come on," he complained. "I got out of the bath. You're really going to wear clothes too?"

"Unless you want the cleaners to see me naked," I reminded him, grabbing out some clothes.

"They should be so lucky."

I ignored the comment as I got dressed. It wasn't like I wanted to be getting dressed right now. I would have much rather spent all day in the bath together or lounging around naked in his room, but I couldn't.

At the back of my mind, there was still this little voice telling me that I needed to take care of him. Not just as his caretaker, but his lover too. I knew Jack. Lately, he'd been as bad as Arthur when it came to doing things like eating.

At first, I didn't think much about it. A skipped meal here, an afternoon in bed there. It didn't seem that bad. But it was starting to happen more frequently now, and I couldn't let that happen. I had to make sure he took care of himself still.

I glanced over to where he was. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. Stubbornly refusing to get dressed. I tried to think of a way to entice him downstairs. Suddenly, it hit me.

"Honestly, I'm surprised you're not dressed already," I said casually. "I would've thought you'd be excited to look at more of those pictures."

He looked at me in shock. A second later, the realization hit him. He hopped out of bed immediately.

"That's right! I'd nearly forgotten." He started pulling clothes out of the closet. "I swear, how I remember anything with you around is a miracle."

"Hey, don't blame me," I said, shoving him playfully. "You had a bad memory before I came around."

"Yes, but it never used to be this bad. Before, I was at least able to focus during the days that I was here. Now, my mind's too preoccupied dreaming about when I'll get to touch you next," he teased.

"We just had sex."

"And I'm already dreaming about when we'll do it again."

I sighed and shook my head. Forget him not being able to remember things. The fact that I could get anything done with this horndog around was the real miracle.

I didn't bother waiting for him as I headed downstairs. Another incentive for him to actually come down. Sure enough, I heard his footsteps racing to catch up with me a short time later.

"I was going to come down in a minute," he grumbled.

"Sometimes your 'minute' runs a little long. Besides, I'm actually hungry."

He smiled and wrapped his arms around me. "Well, if you're really looking for something to eat..."

I ignored the obvious innuendo. "You have ten seconds to get me lunch before I start having an attitude."

"Start?"

"Seven!" I warned him.

He took the hint and started to pick up the pace. In reality, I wasn't that hungry. I probably could have gone a couple more hours and been fine, but things like this were an easy way to get him where I needed him to go.

As we sat down at the table, I started fixing us a couple of plates. Mostly because I had to. Jack ignored the food completely. Instead, he went straight for the album.

He picked it up and started flipping through the pictures again, trying to find where we last left off. It didn't take long before he found it. He sat at the table with his nose in the album, staring intently at the pictures.

"Lunch first," I said sternly.

He frowned at me. I couldn't help but snicker a little as he did. He could really be childish if he wanted to.

"Tell you what though, why don't you tell me more about them while we eat?" I suggested. "I've always wanted to know more about your family anyway."

He perked up a bit at this. "You have? Why didn't you ask me sooner?"

"I was afraid to ask you before. I'm not now though. Like I said, I know you can handle it now."

"I could handle it before," he muttered. "Anyway, ask away. I'll answer what I can."

I shrugged. "Well, what were your parents like?"

"Good question." I could see him racking his brain, trying to find the memories of them. "My mother... was very kind. Very fun-loving. The kind of mother who loved to join in our childish games, not just watch them.

And let me tell you, she didn't go easy on us either. That woman was not afraid to absolutely demolish her children when it came to board games. She once beat Baldy at chess so badly that he started crying. Granted, he was only around four then, but still."

I smiled. "But completely kind and fun-loving, right?"

He laughed. "I know it sounds contradictory, but she really was."

"What about your father?"

He sorted through his memories again. "My father... He was more serious than my mother. I remember that. He wasn't the type to smile or laugh or play around too often, but he always seemed to love the fact that she did those things.

His exterior might have been a little gruff and formal, but he was actually a very gentle person. Always there to comfort us when we were hurt, always there to lend an ear when needed, never too busy to give us a moment of his time. Even if it was for something ridiculous.

God, I remember going into his study once to show him some kind of ridiculous drawing I'd made. He was in a meeting with some business associates of his at the time. Stopped the whole thing just so I could show him that picture. He didn't tell me he was busy, didn't try to rush me out. He even took the time to show it to the other men in the meeting so they could praise me."

I giggled at this. "He sounds sweet."

"He was," he agreed. "That was always his personality. Sweet, gentle, soft-spoken. In fact, I can't recall a single time he ever raised his voice to me. Looking back now, it's easy to see why my mother fell in love with him."

I could see why too. Because I felt the exact same way.

Loving, sweet, gentle. It was Jack in a nutshell. If his mother had loved his father even half as much as I loved Jack, then I'm sure that they were happy together. They certainly looked happy in the pictures.

I felt a small twinge of pain as I thought of that. I glanced down at the album. They looked like such a nice couple in those photos. I wonder what they were like in person. I wonder what they would have thought of me.

Now, a feeling stronger than pain filled my mind. Regret. Not a regret for the things that I'd done, but instead, for the things that I'd never have the chance to do. My heart felt heavy as that miserable regret echoed around inside my head. I wish I could have met them.