-1Hannah rolled over onto her side and faced the fire, her body still trembling. Sighing in pure contentment, she focused on the flames, the patterns dancing in front of her. Without hesitation, Logan rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow leaning over her, placing his right hand on an exposed breast. A short startled sound escaped from Hannah's lips, as she felt another rush throughout her body. Mesmerized by the fire's glow lighting up her face, and the pure pleasure she was experiencing by his touch, Logan gently brushed his lips against hers. Reaching back, she placed her right hand in his hair; her fingers messaged his scalp lovingly with each kiss. There hadn't been one word between them in the past half hour as their bodies entwined and writhed on the cushions only aware of each others breathing and sighs. Now Hannah became aware of the sounds around her, the rhythm of the rain and the crackling of the fire, only adding to this beautiful experience she had just been apart of. No words could express what she was feeling.

Logan lay back onto the pillows and nuzzled against her hair, his hand still caressing her breasts fondly. No matter how exhausted he was, he couldn't seem to let go. He felt incredibly protective of her, a comfort of knowing she was safe in his arms, his eyelids began to droop, until Hannah's whisper startled him, "Listen."

"To what?" He said sleepily.

"The rain."

"Mmmm, yeah, rain. It's raining. It's been raining all night." His speech was slow.

She turned towards him, "You're falling asleep."

"Can you blame me? I'm warn out. You're not exhausted?"

She shook her head and smiled at him, "Not at all."

"You should sleep because as soon as the rain lets up we need to get outta here."

She realized it was back to normal. Although his touch was still tender, there would be no sweet affectionate words coming from him tonight. It just wasn't his way. She turned away from him back to the fire and felt a little disappointed that was it. With her abrupt turn she managed to twist her left arm and felt the pain that had seemed to disappear during their love making. She winced.

Immediately Logan sat up looking at her cradling her arm close to her chest, with concern he questioned her, "Your arm, is it okay?"

"It's fine. Really, you go to sleep."

The tone of her voice was hard to read, but he knew there was something hidden under the words and she definitely wasn't okay. "Hannah, what is it?"

"Please just go to sleep. I told you I was fine."

"You aren't fine and I can't read your mind so just tell me what's bothering you." He was trying to keep his voice calm.

She didn't want to cry but it was too late, she couldn't hold the tears back. She just blurted it out, "I know you don't love me…" She began to sob, "but I just thought…" she couldn't finish her thoughts as she lowered her head feeling absolutely ridiculous. She was ruining everything.

This was all beginning to make sense to him. Not that he could make it right but he wasn't about to have their evening spoiled by his lack of emotion. He rubbed his chin, considering his options here. He lifted her chin. She didn't want to look at him, not in the state she was in but she really couldn't avert her eyes, the way he held her chin firmly in his hand so she couldn't move it even if she wanted to. "Well, I guess I don't have to worry about you reading my mind, cause you got that one all wrong, darlin." She looked a bit confused and then he smiled that cockeyed Logan way, with one side of his mouth and looked deep into her eyes. He couldn't say the words although he wanted to; he just hoped Hannah would get the message by his actions. He now was feeling a little embarrassed as she was waiting for what he would say next, "You know, all this…you and me, this fire.." In frustration he removed his hands from her face and rubbed them through his hair "Ah, damn it, Hannah…I'm not good at this."

"I guess I'm not either. Since I've spoiled everything by crying."

This made him feel a bit better. "You haven't." He leaned closer kissing her, "You haven't ruined anything. This is who you are. You're an incredible open, loving, sensitive sweet woman…" He closed his eyes. God, he was horrible at this. He sounded stupid. Well, he might as well keep going, "Tonight was great. Everything…I mean everything but the wolf attack."

She managed a smile.

" I know great sounds so pathetic."

"No great is good, it's better than good." She knew how hard it was for him to express his feelings. She gently touched his cheek "and you said some lovely things. No one ever says lovely things about me, my playing possibly but never me."

"Never had a knack with words."

"I know but you made the effort. That's something."

"So I haven't messed everything up?"

She shook her head.

"And as for the sleeping…"

She cut in before he could finish, "I know you're tired."

"I was actually going to say, I'm getting my second wind. I can sleep anytime." Raising his eyebrows he smiled, "So what would you like to do?"

"I'm happy just lying here in your arms, listening to the rain."

"Really? That's it?" He was trying to hold back a smile.

"The kissing was nice. I wouldn't mind more kissing." slightly embarrassed she added, "and the touching. That was nice too."

"I gave you a great, and in return I get a nice." He teased. "So that's how it is, is it?"

She was silent then wrapped her arms around his neck, their faces inches from each other, "I realize nice might ruin your reputation. How about enticing, stimulating, electrifying,…."

Interrupting her he, put a finger over her mouth, "Yeah, I like the sound of that, but what I'd like even better would be to scrap the sweet talk and get down to what's important here." She coyly looked up at him, "You know I like the idea of lying and listening to the rain, but Hannah…I think the initial rules of this week were that what I say goes."

"I did agree to that, yes."

"So you're going to have to get your rain fix at another time." Being practically on top of her it was easy for him to manipulate her back down onto the pillows and straddle her. Like his berserker rage, he had little control over what was going on inside him. He wanted her again plain and simple

While, the romantic idea of lying in a man's arms listening to the rain was something Hannah envisioned as the perfect scenario, Logan's hungry sexual appetite caused an excitement through her she had never experienced and she was only to willing to succumb to his advances. Pressing into her, his right hand grabbed her thigh; his left found the nape of her neck underneath the mass of dark hair. Hungrily he pursued her, his lips finding hers and making her squirm with anticipation under him. Her hands immediately grasped onto his shoulders, digging her trimmed for her piano playing fingernails into his flesh. All thoughts of romantic interludes now squashed while the passion and lust raced through both of their bodies.

All sense of time lost, Hannah awoke and noticed the fire was nearly out. She felt a chill shoot up her body. She was cold. As she started to sit up she realized Logan's hand was resting on her thigh and quickly the passion driven moments of the last few hours came back to her with a fondness. Carefully she sat up trying not to disturb him. Sprawled across the pillows on his stomach, his muscular back and firm buttocks managed to make her blush. Never in her wildest dreams would she have envisioned any of the last 12 hours events occurring to her, especially the intimacy with this unique specimen of a man. She shivered again, hard to say if it was from the cold or the desire that ran rampant through her body. She leaned over him, reaching for the robe that had been discarded hours ago. Almost in her grasp, she leaned a little further, gently brushing her forearm across his back. He flinched and groaned but then settled back down into the pillows. Carefully she picked up the robe and stood, feeling successful of not disrupting his much needed rest. But every slight movement and noise was noticeable to Logan even in sleep. She was unaware that he opened his eyes and watched as Hannah slipped the robe over her shoulders. The sight of her bareback reminiscent of that morning in New York.

He wanted her back by his side, and his selfishness reflected in his tone of voice, "What are you doing?"

Somewhat surprised she turned slowly to face him, "I didn't want to disturb you."

"Yeah, but you did, the minute you got up."

Feeling a bit guilty, she lowered her head, "Sorry. I was cold."

"Well, that problem can be easily taken care of." He raised his eyebrows, as he rolled over onto his back, placing his arms behind his head then added confidently, "Without the robe."

It sounded enticing, she had wanted to just lie in his arms but she had a feeling that was not likely to be the scenario. A little time to herself was needed. "I need a stretch. Think I will just have a wander about. Is that okay?"

"You're bored with me already?"

She smiled, "Of course not. I just feel it would be a shame if I left this beautiful house without seeing more of it."

"I'm sure it's been in House Beautiful. I'll get you a copy."

She got down on her knees and stroked his cheek, "I promise not to be long."

Closing his eyes for a brief moment, the soothing touch of her finger tips caused another jolt throughout his body. God, he had it bad…his eyes quickly opened and he scowled at her, removing her hand from his cheek. It was one thing when he instigated the intimacy in his own way, something completely different when she had that effect on him that made him feel like putty in her hands. Something he had allowed to happen in New York. "For god's sake go see the goddamn house. But stay on this floor. I want to be able to hear you."

She kissed his cheek, "Yes, sir. Anything else, sir?"

He pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately. It was a little rough, but it did the trick. When he pulled away she was silent, "Watch the lip, little lady. Just remember who you're messing with here."

"I definitely haven't forgotten."

"Now that's what I like to hear, now go on. Get out of my sight; let a man catch a few more winks." He closed his eyes.

It took a few more minutes for her to compose herself. Due to the lightheadedness the thought of going anywhere was low priority. She didn't even know if she could stand once she managed to get up. She also found that looking at him was incredibly pleasing. A smile appeared on her face, recalling what that body could do when it set its mind to it. Then Logan's eyes opened.

"You still here?" Just looking at her reaction he was pleased. , "I can't possibly imagine what's going on in that pretty little head of yours," he teased, "but somehow I doubt that it has anything to do with the priceless antiques in the house you seem set on seeing."

She managed to compose herself and stood up. "You are trouble, Logan."

"And you dear lady are enjoying that trouble every step of the way. So don't try and hide it."

She didn't have to say a word, she just smiled sweetly at him before she headed down the hallway. Things were good, she had no idea where any of this would go but right now all that mattered was how content and happy she felt and she was pretty sure he felt the same way.

Heading down the hall, the early morning sun began to drift into the windows making everything glisten. To Hannah it was like being in a fairy tale castle. Everything magical and mystical, but she knew her mind was a bit preoccupied and it could have been a mountain cabin and she would have still envisioned the castle. Something caught her eye as she walked passed the first doorway. It couldn't be. She entered the room and the light changed now reflected on a beautiful Brazilian Rosewood Steinway Grand piano. It wasn't just any piano, it was antique probably from the mid 1900's with intricate carving on the legs and music stand. Always having an appreciative eye for a magnificent instrument, she gasped with excitement. Never seeing one of such beauty and craftsmanship.

Logan heard the gasp and sat up abruptly. As always his first instinct…trouble, "Hannah, you alright?"

"There's a piano. Logan, a beautiful piano." She now was gently caressing the wood top desperately wanting to play it.

He rolled his eyes and then got up, making his way towards her voice. He approached the doorway and watched her hand brush against the keys. He leaned on the doorway, "Well, what are you waiting for? Play."

She turned and grinned at the sight of his naked body propped against the frame.

"What are you grinning at?"

"You."

"It's 5:30 in the morning. Never my finest moment." He commented snidely.

"Well, I think you look mighty fine."

"Obviously, not as fine as that damn piano. So come on, get it out of your system. Play the damn thing."

"I couldn't. It's an antique."

"So it's old, they made things better back then. And anyhow, it's probably been restored. You're dying to play. All week, I've watched you close your eyes playing in your head."

"They wouldn't mind?"

"Hannah, they'll never know. Just play."

She sat down on the stool and immediately began to play a Chopin prelude. There couldn't have been a finer tone resonating from the keys and as her hands caressed each one she thought of Logan's lovemaking and it seemed to bring out something more vibrant and passionate in her playing.

Leaning against the frame he recalled the first time he had heard her play and how it had made him feel. That calming effect once again rushed over him and he felt a familiarity that was comforting. Boy, he was getting soft. He was so used to being in control and not giving into these kinds of things. But what the heck, he might as well enjoy himself, he knew to well that once they were back at the mansion whatever was going on here would have to be put on hold.

He approached her from behind and leaned down, one hand pushing up the robe and caressing her thigh, the other slipping inside and fondling a breast, she missed a note, then another as he began tenderly kissing her neck

"Logan, stop that. I can't concentrate."

"I've never had to compete with a piano."

"I thought you liked when I play." The piano always her first love was now taking the back seat to this man who had given her so much pleasure. She knew how easily it would be to give in to him.

"I do." He continued kissing her but out of the corner of his eye; he saw something that startled him. Abruptly, he released his hold on her breast and stood upright, staring at the wall in front of him.

This sudden behavior alarmed her. She followed his gaze and saw the object of his attention. A family portrait. A mother, father, two sons. She could make out the plaque which read 'The Howletts 1897'. But, why Logan was so mesmerized by it she could not fathom. He moved away from her and stepped closer to the portrait. She followed him putting a comforting hand on his arm and feeling his muscles tense. What the hell was going on with him?

"Logan, what is it?"

He didn't answer. Just stared at the painting.

At that moment, Logan, felt the rage that had been absent in the last few hours with Hannah return. He felt he was going to explode and knew he needed to get out. Jerking his arm away from Hannah he headed for the door. Without turning around he called out, "The rain's let up. We need to go."

She stood in front of the portrait. A chill shot up her. This painting… what did it mean to him? She looked at it more closely. The mother dressed in the finery of the day, holding the hand of a young boy of about 5, with jet black hair, dressed in a sailor suit. The mother and son bond evident. The older boy, shoulders back imitating his father, probably about 12, in a dress shirt and tie. The father immaculately dressed and Hannah couldn't help but notice the kind face. Something that normally didn't seem prominent in men of that day. Who were these people? She supposed the piano had belonged to them. And that began to spark her curiosity about these people that Logan seemed to have some vested interest in. She looked around the surrounding bookshelf and right away noticed a set of old tatty leather bound books . She began to pull one out and was startled by the sound of Logan's voice, the book dropped from her hands, "Hannah, are you coming?"

"Just a minute." She looked down at the floor where the book was open at her feet. Handwritten in the most beautiful penmanship she had ever seen. Her photographic mind took in the whole first page just as she felt a yank on her arm and Logan pulled her towards the door.

"I said we're going now. " His tight grip and aggressive behavior mixed with the anger and sharpness in his voice scared her.

"You're hurting me."

Once he got her down the hall he let go. The anger still evident he tried to reassure her, "Just want to get going. No time to lose."

She knew now wasn't the time to question any of this. She followed him, and he threw her her underwear, "Get dressed." He was already in his jeans, the fire nearly out, the pillows rearranged like nothing had taken place in this room. As she slipped the robe off and handed it to him he quickly disappeared upstairs.

Upon his return she stood in her underwear staring at him. He deliberately averted her eyes from her gaze and headed for the door. "You coming?"

"Logan, I don't understand what's going on? You're frightening me."

"Nothing is going on. I want to get you back to the mansion. Jean should look at that wound." Nothing else was said as he opened the door, she followed him. The whole evening felt tarnished now. She closed her eyelids tight holding back the tears.

Logan forged through the woods, Hannah lagged behind. Barefoot, nearly naked, feeling so vulnerable and exposed. She didn't' understand any of this. His mood swings, his anger and aggressive behavior. Why was this happening now, when everything seemed so right? The tears no longer could be held back.

Logan turned around and noticed Hannah far behind, he also noticed she was crying. He knew at that moment that all of this had been a mistake. Bringing her along, getting close to her. Why didn't he stick with his gut feeling? Why had he let her in? He would only hurt her. Who was he kidding? He already had. He moved towards her, knowing he couldn't undo the damage he'd already done, but he could make it easier. "I'll carry you."

"I can walk." she stated sharply.

"You're having difficulty keeping up, Hannah. Let me help you," he pleaded.

"Is that what you were doing in there? Helping me? Grabbing me like that, pushing me around. You've never treated me in such a way, even when you wanted me out of your hair. What happened to you?"

"God damn it, Hannah. This is who I am."

"No, it's not. Something happened to you in there. I want to know what it is. If you care anything about me, you'll talk to me."

"I don't want to talk." He moved away from her and leaned his hand against a tree, taking a deep breath. He wasn't going to lose it again. Not with her.

"You never want to talk. But you can't shut this out, Logan. That house is part of your past."

"What the hell do you know about my past? Absolutely nothing. So drop it." He turned abruptly no longer able to control his anger.

"That painting. It meant something to you." Hannah refused to give up. She wasn't going to let him ruin everything. It meant to much to her.

"Hannah, I told you to drop it. It was nothing. Understand, nothing."

For some reason these words stung. Why she twisted their meaning into something else she wasn't sure, but it all seemed connected. When she finally spoke she had resigned to what all of this seemed to mean. He would never let her in, he wanted to keep things as they were and it saddened her, "Just like what happened between us earlier? That must have been nothing too." She moved past him, up the hill, hoping the camp was on the other side. The sight of him right now was too much to bear. It made her feel sick inside.

Logan sighed deeply. He looked back towards the house. Was she right? Did it mean something? And if it did , what the hell was it? The only thing he knew right now was he didn't want to deal with it. He wanted to run, but in doing that he was also running from something else. Something he wasn't sure he was ready to drop so easily.