CHAPTER 5: Intimacy

"Buenos días, señorita! Por aquí, haga el favor".

"Um, Claridge Hotel, per favor. Claridge"

"No hay problemas. Americana?"

"Sí, sí"

Starling spotted a couple dancing tango right at the small square before one of the luxury hotels. She was suffocating, despite the fact that she set as close as possible to the driver's air-conditioner. Her whole body was aching, and she restlessly eyed huge crowds stretched along the Rio de la Plata's beaches.

…After sliding her card-key through the keyless lock, Clarice entered the dark suit, only to see a black silhouette against the tall windows. She closed the door and pressed her back against it, not trusting her legs just yet.

He smoothly came closer, caring the air of absolute stillness around him. For one tiny moment, she thought of him as of a normal human being seeking for warmth as we all do. His knowing hands run down her back, smoothering the pain inside her.

"I trust you had a nice flight, Dear" – he then said softly and lifted her off her feet.

"I've got to find a regular doctor, Hannibal" – she wrapped her arms around his neck as he gave a low chuckle.

"Oh, Clarice, you did it long ago" He carefully laid her down on the king-sized bed and went on a knee before it.

Starling closed her eyes and instantly felt her shirt buttons being masterfully undid.

"Hannibal Lecter, what is it you're doing?"

"Why, Clarice, I'm removing your clothes, of course" His nostrils flared as her scent filled them. Lecter's fingers reached for her skirt zipper and eased it down slowly. Suddenly she felt his tongue give a rough, cat-like lick between her heaving breasts.

Clarice tsked, not opening her eyes. "What you're really doing, Doctor, is trying to seduce a tired woman in a certain condition". He was placing small gentle kissesall overher swelling belly. "I may not be a very pleasant company within the next six months, my dearest. But with all due respect, Hannibal, if you start complaining I'll shoot you.

"Spoken like Mata Hari"

Lecter pulled her up and quickly removed her shirt, as you do it with a half-year old after a fresh walk outside; then gently pushed her back onto the pillows. His hands were on her waist now, slowly pulling down the skirt. Not taking his eyes off her, he rose from his knees and sat on the bed, bending over Clarice's half-nude form. Admiring the view, the Monster leaned closer and freed one of her breasts.

"Clarice. Your scent is no longer one of a Virgin"---- Lecter paused to flick her nipple ---- "but one of a Mother. It makes you complete." He reached for under her back and undid her bra. Slowly, stroking and caressing all the while, he pulled off her stockings and panties. Starling found herself moving against his professional fingers in a strange rhythm as she heard the zipper of his trousers open.

"Alright, Doctor. You have twenty seconds to remove your clothes. Or should I light a match and count?"

Obviously, Dr Hannibal Lecter never had the pleasure to do his military service; otherwise he'd establish a reputation of the fastest undresser-AND-under-the-covers ever.

"Hannibal?"

"Mmm?"

"Sorry to distract you, but I really need a personal physician"

"I've never had one myself and I'll see if it never happens to you." Lecter reached down to part her legs, when felt her hands press against his chest.

"Hannibal, I'll need regular examinations, tests, medicines maybe. Tomorrow I'll make an appointment"

"No. I'll do all the work myself. Now be quiet"

In the Beginning Harris created 'Silence of the lambs'. And Harris said: 'Let there be a book" and there was the book. And Demme saw that the book was good; and he invited Hopkins over there... Many years passed, and then the Lecterphiles appeared.