Hannah shuddered, but didn't shrink away, only closing her eyes nervously. She hadn't kissed him since, and though she dreamed of his kisses, waking found her back in the dark basement.
Ralph had taught her about kissing, about love. He'd shown her the wonders of life beyond the island, how she could be herself, not just a substitute. Their lips met, a mutual comfort. He kissed her lightly, tentatively, then more fully, a slight bite reminding her this was real, not a dream.
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as they grew breathless. He slowly lay down, pulling her with him, then rolled on top. He gazed down at her misty eyes and glistening lips. 'Heather could never have looked so sensual, so amorous!' he thought. "Annie, oh my Annie!" he murmured, kissing her neck and ear.
Longing surged through Hannah in waves. She anticipated this, yet remained nervous, uncertain of what lay ahead. She could only hold him, as if he were a lifeline in a stormy sea.
Ralph's fingers reached inside her clothes, but as they touched her skin, she shuddered and caught his hand. "No, don't."
He frowned, puzzled. "Why not? Aren't you willing?"
"No, I... not now." She pushed him away, sat up, smoothing her clothes, her heart pounding.
"I get it." Seeing her distress, Ralph's mood sank. He sighed. "You're right. I'm a loser, with nothing. I wouldn't even have a place to stay without you. I'm not being fair." Hannah, seeing his dejection, quickly tried to reassure him. "No, that's not it! I could barely make it today, and I have to get back, or my sister will suspect something. Still, we can be together openly once my plan is complete.”
"Together openly?" Ralph was confused. "Didn't you say you had to be your sister's cover because of the curse? Is she willing to set you free, or are you stuck like this forever?"
Hannah pursed her lips, a mysterious smile playing on them. "No, she'll never set me free. I'll always be my sister's shadow, unless I'm dead. But I've devised a plan to escape. It's going to work, and I'll be myself again soon!"