CH6 Drawn like a moth to a fire
Dinner was perfect I concluded. The stuffed chicken was wonderful with candied carrots and string beans on the side. And the Chianti was just right. The night was perfect. I sat back and closed my eyes- letting it all soak in. When I opened my eyes- Hannibal's hand was extended towards my.
"Care to finish our dance, Clarice?" his metallic voice asked- crisp and warm- like a hot blade, licking at my stomach.
"Certainly." I say putting my hand in his, feeling the shivers go up my spine when his flesh enclosed on mine.
We have no music- but its not needed. My hand goes on his forearm while the other rests in his hand. Feeling slight tired I lay my head on his shoulder as I enjoy listening to our synchronized heartbeats and breathing. I sigh this is perfect.
"Thank you." I whisper.
He pulls away to look at my face, still dancing to the soundless beat. "What for?" He said, his blade-like voice cutting through the air.
"For everything. For showing me how to live, to learn. For believing in me when no one else did, for holding my hand in times of need. For risking your freedom to try to show a stubborn little girl the way you feel. For caring. For understanding." All during this speech my eyes bored into his in a similar fashion to what he had done in the asylum. "Why me?"
"Because- your spark of life that glittered in your eyes. You pulled me in Clarice- I was helpless- like a moth to a flame. I always was and still am. I love you."
"But-" I never finished- his mouth crushed against mine with such a force that I have no choice but to respond. My heart sank and soars at the same time. My hand unclasped with his as we finally stop dancing. My arms go around his neck to pull him closer to my hungry mouth. Butterflies fill my stomach as I feel his arms go around my waist in return and pull me close to his body. His tongue grazed my lower lip and my mouth opened to accept him. I broke away and looked in his eyes- Love, lust, and compassion collided- mirroring my own eyes that almost water with happiness.
"I love you…" I finally say, my lips brushing his ear as I confess. A weight is lifted off my heart- I admitted it- I love him…
He pulled my face back to his, a smile on his face all of his pearly whites shinning. "At last, I was waiting for that." My lips moved forward to claim his, his finger touching my lips was the only thing that stopped me." You do realize that at the end of the evening you will have to make a choice of staying with me or returning to the darling FBI with Ms. Mapp."
I didn't know what I wanted to do after tonight. But I knew what I wanted to do tonight. "Did anyone every tell you that you talk to much?" I say before claiming his lips. The last few kisses he must of restrained himself with this kiss I knew my lips would be bruised for days. I don't remember how or when we got into the bedroom but we got there. My back, which was already bare, touched the satin sheets. My body didn't register that it was naked until his hot skin was all over mine. Passions arose, our heartbeats raced faster and faster, side by side, trying to out-race each other until they both exploded with a cry of pure pleasure.
I listened to our heart, now much slower as I lay in his arms while he stroked my hair. I sighed with a feeling of comprehension. I thought of my decision as I drifted off and snuggled closer to my little slice of heaven for now.
~*~
He looked down upon the Clarice's sleeping form. He had never felt so happy in his life. She had finally admitted to him and herself that she loved him. When he felt her snuggle closer into his embrace, he smiled. *Yes, she definitely proved that* He pushed away the hair that had fallen in her face. He hoped that she would stay with him, he never knew what she would do. He didn't know what would happen to him if she didn't. Pushing the thoughts away from his head, he pulled her closer instead. Memorizing the tough of his silky smooth skin against his fingers, the feeling of her soft breaths on his chest, the smell of her hair, and their hearts united at last.
~*~
I woke up the next morning to find the spot next to me empty. When I smelled breakfast coming from the next room, the panic that had welled up in my chest disappeared. Getting up- I decided to take a bath before I told Hannibal my decision would be…