I sank down into the depths of the warm water. Bringing it up to my chin I smiled.

This was one of the reasons I rented this apartment. For its bathroom. It was large, floor to ceiling tiles of cream marble tiles with a small boarder tile with gold edging. I had a wooden blind up shielding the frosted window with small candles all along the window sill.

The bath was big, in width and length which meant I could sit in any position in the bath.

The lavender bubbles released all the tension in my body drifting me into a relaxed state. I'd washed myself throughly as soon as I got in the bath but now I was just soaking up the warmth enjoying it.

So much so I had a glass of red patiently sitting on the basin unit awaiting my attention.

"Zak who?" I asked before smirking. I figured now would be a good time to text.

Now I know you're all thinking.. Oh my god she's texting him! Needy!

Not at all. I just needed to make sure he understood what page we were on.

Drying my hands in the fluffy towel I picked up my phone and created a message.

- I've got a photo for you ;) x

I hit send and waited. The three dots appeared, so he was awake and texting back.

- Hmm.. What might that be? ;)

The smile filled my face as I went into my photos and selected one. Attaching it to a message I hit send and awaited my response.

- DELETE THAT RIGHT NOW!

I laughed wickedly. Before I left I had taken a few.... Snaps.  One exclusively of a very worn out and buck naked Zak.

- No, I think I'll keep it. For insurance. You get a sudden case of loose lips with Aaron and this photo along with a whole lot more will go viral.. Kapeesh?

- Delete the fucking photos or I swear.

- Zak Zak Zak.. Are we forgetting who holds all the cards here? You keep your mouth shut at what you don't know and I'll delete those photos.... In due time. Have a wonderful evening stud. I had fun. Ri x

I set my phone on silent and tossed it on the pile of clothes on the floor giggling.

Stupid boy.. With his track record it was going to happen eventually. He's lucky in a sense it was me.

Washing my skin again with Cherry blossom and Vanilla scented soap I got out and wrapped myself in a towel. 

Collecting all the things from the bathroom I left and went into the bedroom. Tossing all the clothes into the washing basket and placing my wine and phone on the side. Standing in the mirror I unfolded my towel and looked at my chest..

I knew I had to do it.

I looked for any abnormalities. But after a worrying 5 minutes I dried myself off. My boys are well.

I got dressed into a tee and pulled on fuzzy socks and panties. Seeing as I was on my own and locked in I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and relax. Turning on the TV I almost laughed seeing Ghost Adventures. If only people knew what I had just done to the lead investigator..

My ability to ignore Zak caved as I saw my phone light up again. Eventually I picked up my phone and looked through the messages.

- Maria I am serious. Delete those photos immediately.

-Maria!

- I swear to god I'll drive to that shitty apartment and force that phone down your throat. Delete them. You've got 20 minutes.

- Times up!

I almost giggled at the desperation. But all he had to do was keep quiet. It was pretty simple.

Thundering on my door sounded making me smile, I guess he's here!

I strolled over placing the chain on and looking through the peep hole.

"Who is it?" I sang sweetly.

"Open the door right now!" Zak's voice boomed. He was speaking through the letter box. So I sat down on a chair away from the door watching as his fingers held up the metal flap.

"Good evening sweetheart." I teased.

"Open the door right now Maria. I'm not joking. You can ruin me with those photos! I have an image to maintain!"

"Really? Hmm. You don't seem to mind much when you're putting it  about."

"I- listen we need to speak properly and your neighbour is out here. Just open the door and we can speak like adults." He spoke in a calmer manner.

I walked away and returned to the chair crossing my legs over each other and began filing my nails.

"Maria!"

"Oh yeah, you're still here. All you gotta do is keep quiet."

"Fine I will!"

"You're word? Isn't enough. I'm keeping that for insurance purposes so you keep those sweet lips closed."

I watched his face twist with anger before he took a breath.

"Fine. How much?"

I paused and looked across at him. "Excuse me?"

"How much?! How much do you want? For the photos?!"

I didn't want money.. But I wanted him to sweat a little.

"Hmm. I mean. What ones are you interested in? Cause full frontal is gonna cost big bucks you know?"

"You're so fucking irritating. If I could grab your throat now.."

"Ah ah ah." I ticked my finger at him. "You better be nice. It's surprising how fast a photo can circulate and our photos can screenshot. It's surprisingly useful to those who want to keep a photo. Hey, I could even do a group send. I guess your mom wouldn't be impressed if she received that with her green tea and biscuit."

"Maria. I promise you. That when I get the opportunity.. I'm going to snap your neck."

I laughed, "You just don't learn Hun. Well good night anyway." I smiled and stood up switching off the TV and lights I headed to bed.

"MARIA!" He shouted.

I closed my bedroom door just for a little more... Ambience in the room.

Settling down to sleep I smiled with the dulled thudding on my front door.

I believe the term is... Check mate.