AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay my friends- due to the nature of the holiday this chapter will contain a lemon- just a head's up for those who would prefer not to partake! I will warn you just before the event so that you won't miss any of the plot line but can avoid any offense lol!

VALENTINE'S DAY: Part Two

HANNIBAL'S GIFT

Clarice opened the basket and, as she removed the contents, sought some further details as to the situation with Bloom. She wanted to trust that all would be well, but she was no longer the fresh faced agent in training she was when first she and Hannibal met; cynicism now a constant partner.

"If you recorded the entire session, H it'll be pretty freaking obvious to any and all who see it that you hypnotized Bloom. How's that gonna help us?"

"If that were the case, Clarice it wouldn't. I had several cameras with sound hooked to a toggle switch beneath my desk. When Bloom signaled the end of the meeting, I asked him to confirm that the session was complete. Upon his confirmation, I flipped the switch. That disengaged every camera save one."

Clarice set the basket on the counter and moved behind her husband. Putting her arms around him she rested her head between his shoulders and teased, "You are one brilliantly devious bastard and I mean that as a compliment, H!"

Hannibal reached back for his wife and turned into her embrace. He placed a kiss on her forehead.

"If that was meant as a compliment, I will take it as such." He pulled her into a tighter embrace leaned against the marble counter and comfortable holding her, began to explain his thinking.

"By asking Dr. Bloom to reiterate the meeting had indeed concluded I have secured evidence that the devices recorded the entirety of the meeting. Bloom has no conscious recollection of the hypnosis therefore no one will challenge the evidence. The visual and auditory record stops at a very natural cessation point. No one will be the wiser."

Clarice was incredulous. She knew that Hannibal was always prepared. She understood that his mind was capable of processing details others might miss, but hypnosis? That was truly inspired.

"You have the hypnosis on tape?" she asked with a good deal of curiosity in her voice.

Hannibal answered rather proudly, "Yes…In its entirety."

Clarice ran a finger down her husband's chest and questioned coyly, "Can I see it?"

Hannibal teased, "Are we still talking about the tape?"

"Oh, don't be such a wise ass, H."

Hannibal was somewhat amused at Clarice's obvious frustration. He was not as enthused as she to review the material today and hedged, "Certainly you may, Clarice, however I would prefer to share it with you on a day other than today. I would hope and expect that you can purge the offensive Doctor Bloom from your thoughts for at least the next twenty-four hours. It was your decision that we spend this time quietly at home. As it is our first Valentine's Day as a couple, my most fervent desire is that I be the only man on your mind this day. Is that an unreasonable request?"

"No, H…That's perfectly reasonable. I'm sorry." She pulled him close and very discreetly pressed her hips against his. "I promise you are the only man on my mind. You don't know this yet but I have something planned for you too and I'm really excited about it. I can't wait to see your face when it arrives!"

Hannibal touched his tongue to the bottom of his teeth and tipped his head slightly as he considered her statement. His voice held a hint of anticipation, "Ah, Clarice…having something delivered to the house?"

Clarice smoothed her hands over his chest and looked up into his eyes pleased to see a twinkle of surprise. Her tone was animated as she realized he was not feigning ignorance. He still had no clue.

"Yes, in an hour or so. Why don't you get that sauce of yours put together so it can simmer while you enjoy your gift. I think you'll want to spend a little time with it."

Hannibal wondered what she could have come up with. "You are really piquing my curiosity, Clarice."

She tapped a loving finger to his chin and taunted just slightly, "It's nice to know I can still slip something past you, H."

"Clarice, you are the only person I have ever come across whose mind processes in such a unique way that I am often taken by surprise. It is your most attractive attribute. I find that I am constantly a bit off-balance in your presence."

She reached her arms around his neck and spoke against his lips, "And that's a good thing?"

Hannibal kissed her briefly and explained, "It is a good thing because although I am attracted to patterns in the physical world, I find with relationships that predictability can be more than a little tedious, boring even. You, my Love, are a constant surprise and thus a constant stimulant."

Clarice laughed and pushed him back crossing her index fingers and extending her hands as if warding off evil, "Get back…Back! The last thing you need is any kind of a stimulant! I'm going to make a call and check on the status of your gift. I'll be back in a bit."

Hannibal called out after her, "You can run from me now, Clarice but rest assured before the day is through I will have my way with you."

Clarice poked her head around the door frame and flirted, "Rest assured, before the day is through, I'll let you!"

She slipped back around the door leaving Hannibal in amused anticipation as he pulled out the pots and pans he would need to ready their evening meal.

Clarice walked as quickly as she could all the way down the long hall leading to Hannibal's study to see about the delivery of the gift. When she was certain she was out of range for his hypersensitive hearing she reached into her pocket, took out her cell phone and placed the call. It took several minutes for the concierge assigned to her purchase to confirm the delivery. He came back on the line in a friendly and professional manner.

"Mrs. Lecter your husband's gift will be arriving in approximately thirty minutes. I have confirmation that the item was picked up as arranged and the driver is on the road as we speak."

Clarice sought confirmation of her arrangements, "And the purchase was not billed until this morning?"

"Yes, there is no way, unless Doctor Lecter goes online within the next hour that he will have prior knowledge of the gift through our billing department."

"Thanks…he's just so meticulous about his statements that I didn't want him to be tipped off about the gift before the surprise. Thanks so much for your time and your help."

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Lecter."

Clarice moved about the house for the next thirty minutes knowing that Hannibal preferred to be alone in the kitchen as he cooked. It didn't hurt that she was so excited about his gift that she believed she would give away the secret. She had been guarding the purchase since the night Hannibal gave her the black card to shop with Ardelia. Deciding that the arrival time must be near she checked the clock and went into the kitchen, nibbling on one of the chocolates Hannibal had given her. She carried an extra in her hand and went to see her husband.

"Well hello, Clariiiice," Hannibal teased in his best dungeon tone.

"Hello yourself," she answered as she popped the chocolate she was carrying into his mouth.

"I will be but a minute more," Hannibal offered, "The meatballs are almost finished. I have only to place them in the sauce."

The doorbell rang.

Clarice jumped up excitedly, "Oh my God, it's here! Finish H…hurry up and finish. You have to come with me to the door. It's too big for me to carry inside. I'll get your coat it will take a few minutes."

Clarice ran to the hallway, put her coat on quickly and grabbed Hannibal's. He called out to her from the kitchen, "One would think the delivery person quite capable of bringing the gift into the home, Clarice."

Clarice returned and draped Hannibal's coat over a chair, "Oh don't be such a pain in the ass, H. I went to a lot of trouble and I put a lot of other people to a lot of trouble to get you this gift so just drop the flipping meatballs in the sauce and let's go!"

Hannibal finished quickly, placed the meatballs in the sauce, lowered the heat, gave it a quick stir and turned to Clarice.

"I'm at your disposal, my Love."

Clarice untied and removed his apron and handed him his coat, "Come on H…I'm so damned excited about this…you're going to be so surprised."

Clarice dragged Hannibal to the front door and opened it. "Close your eyes, H."

Hannibal did as Clarice directed. She opened the door and waved over the man sent to deliver the gift. The young man approached. Clarice spoke quietly to Hannibal not wanting the driver to grab him without his knowledge.

"Okay, H…There is a young man here and he's going to help me lead you to the gift so when you feel him grab your arm just go with it."

"Very well, Clarice. Your young man has recently dispensed gasoline?"

The young man was shocked as he had used rubber gloves when he pumped the gas and had removed and discarded them prior to returning to the car.

"Well he is the driver, H. He didn't fly here." Clarice saw the expression on the driver's face and explained, "He's got an insanely accurate sense of smell."

As they approached the gift Hannibal's hand tightened its grip on Clarice's. Clarice looked up to see that Hannibal's eyes were squeezed tightly shut though his nostrils were flared and his head lifted, turning as he searched the air.

The driver watched him, amazed at the process.

Slowly a knowing smile spread across Hannibal Lecter's face.

"Clarice, I smell something very…familiar. I will be exceedingly impressed and quite pleased if you have purchased what I believe I recognize."

Clarice was smiling so widely she was barely able to contain her glee. He voice was ebullient, "What do you think it is, H?"

"I believe it is a Bentley…more specifically, based on the scent of the engine a supercharged Bentley… my supercharged Bentley."

The driver was in awe, his mouth hanging open at the accuracy of Hannibal's prediction. He looked to Clarice in utter shock.

Clarice smiled, "I told you he had an insanely accurate sense of smell."

Hannibal opened his eyes to see the car he owned so many years before parked directly in front of his home. He pulled Clarice close.

"I am in utter awe of you, Clarice. It is an amazing and extremely thoughtful gift, my Love."

"So was my Mustang, H. I wanted to return the favor. I hope you like it."

"It is perfect. I am curious, however. How did you manage such a large purchase without garnering my attention?"

"Never give a woman a credit card that has no limit and a private concierge for each purchase. They billed it upon delivery so it will show up on your statement within the hour. Hope you don't mind."

"Mind…why would I mind? I have told you before it is our money not my money. You have no spending limit. How did you find the exact car?"

"Lloyd ran the VIN through the FBI database. The concierge did the rest."

"Remind me to thank Lloyd when next we see him."

The driver handed Hannibal the keys to his car.

"Drive it in good health, Doctor Lecter."

Hannibal clutched the keys tightly in his fist. "Thank you so much. Can we drop you off somewhere? It seems that thanks to us, your transportation is no longer available."

"It is kind of you to offer, but I arranged a ride." The young man pointed to a black sedan parked across the street. "Again, enjoy the vehicle and Happy Valentine's Day to you both."

Hannibal reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet and handed the young man two one hundred dollar bills. "Thank you so much for you time and effort and please thank your driver for being so patient."

"Thank you, Doctor, that's not an official driver it's my girlfriend. Your delivery was my only assignment today. She came along partly because we are going to celebrate now."

"Partly…" Hannibal questioned, "…what was the other factor in her decision?"

"Actually she was really excited to hear that the car was coming to you. This is embarrassing…forgive me for getting personal but she's the crazy romantic type and kind of obsessed with your relationship. She hoped she would catch a glimpse of you both. She's a bit of a fan-girl."

Clarice tipped her head in the direction of the girl and smiled, "What do you think, H?"

With the arch of his eyebrow Hannibal questioned her intention, "What do I think about what, my Love?"

"What do you think about meeting the young lady in the car across the street?"

"Ah, yes…the hopelessly romantic young lady. If meeting the young Miss would give you pleasure, it would be my pleasure, Clarice."

Hannibal waved his hand graciously, "After you young man. As you are the only one present familiar with all parties involved we will rely on you to make the introductions."

"Really? Oh my god she's going to be so happy." The young man turned and without looking dashed across the street, calling back to the couple as he held up briefly to avoid being hit by an oncoming car. "Please, wait there Doctor Lecter, Mrs. Lecter…I'll bring my girlfriend to you."

The young man ran around the driver's side of the car and tapped on the window. Though they could not hear the conversation, Hannibal and Clarice could hear an excited and ear piercing squeal coming from the direction of the car.

"Did you hear that, H?" Clarice asked. Of course he had but being that she was so amused she wanted to bring attention to it nonetheless.

"Yes. One hopes that is the reaction of the young lady and not that of her gentleman."

Clarice nudged Hannibal playfully, "That's for sure!"

The young girlfriend, accompanied by her young man walked hand in hand across the street to meet Hannibal and Clarice. The young man spoke first, "Doctor Lecter, Mrs. Lecter, let me first introduce myself, my name is Daniel Redmond and please allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Cara Biselle."

"We are very pleased to meet you both," Clarice extended her hand to the young woman. "Please call me Clarice and this is my husband, Hannibal."

The young woman spoke very quietly as she extended her hand first to Clarice, then to Hannibal. Hannibal did not release her hand, holding it gently as the young woman clamored, "You have no idea how much I just love you both. Your love story is…inspirational. I'm so honored to meet you."

Hannibal was pleased by the manners of the young couple. He spoke very kindly to the young lady, winking at her as he spoke, "That is very kind of you to say, Cara. Is young Daniel an attentive boyfriend or should I have a private word with him on your behalf?"

The young lady looked down at Hannibal's hand still gently holding hers and blushed as she spoke, "He's a wonderful boyfriend, Doctor Lecter."

"I am heartened to hear that." Hannibal bent at the waist, chastely kissed the young woman's hand and gently released it.

Cara giggled nervously. The young man put his arm around his girlfriend and smiled widely, "We'll leave you to enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks so much. It was a pleasure to meet you both."

"The pleasure was ours, I assure you," Hannibal responded.

The young girl bounced excitedly beside her young man, now a hero in her eyes he held her hand as they crossed the street.

Hannibal was curious, "Let us see how well-mannered her gentleman is."

Understanding what he was thinking, Clarice voiced his thought, "You think he'll open the door for her?"

Hannibal nodded confidently, "Yes. Judging from the way he has handled himself thus far I believe he was raised well. He will most assuredly escort her properly into the vehicle."

Hannibal and Clarice watched as the young man escorted his lady to the car and opened the door for her. He waited patiently as she entered the car and when certain she was secure within the vehicle, he closed her door. Daniel waved enthusiastically as he ran around the other side and entered the car.

"Well, that was fun!" Clarice exclaimed, "Now let's take this puppy out for a spin."

Hannibal turned toward the car and admired it, "It has a lovely rear end, does it not?"

"I prefer yours." Clarice kidded as she reached under Hannibal's overcoat and grabbed him.

Hannibal quickly captured her mouth and kissed her. From the corner of his eye he could see Cara turning her head fully to watch the amorous exchange as their car passed. Her curiosity and obvious interest in them amused Hannibal greatly leading him to kiss Clarice far more passionately than would be his habit in public.

His voice husky against her cheek, "I prefer yours as well, Clarice and would love to see it nestled snugly in the passenger seat."

Hannibal guided Clarice to the car and opened the door allowing her entrance. As he walked around the back of the car, he dragged his fingertips along the body as if re-familiarizing himself with an old friend. He opened the door, slipped into the driver's seat and breathing deeply, placed his hands on the steering wheel.

"It is a lovely gift, Clarice. I have thought of this car frequently over the years. It really is the exact car?"

Clarice smiled, "It really is and you wear it well, H…glad it fit."

"Let us see if after all these years…what do you have for me my beauty?" Hannibal reached under the seat and moved his hand around for a few moments. Suddenly, as his hand fell upon the object of his search, he smiled.

"What did you find, H?"

Hannibal withdrew an object wrapped tightly in plastic. Hannibal carefully unwrapped the object of his search, a silver handled Harpy. Thumbing it open, he revealed the serrated edge still stained with blood. Hannibal drew the blade slowly beneath his nose, closed his eyes briefly and flashed the most wicked of smiles as a door to his memory palace opened allowing him to revisit the death of Benjamin Raspail.

Understanding the situation, Clarice rolled her eyes and laughed, "Okay, H…Enjoy your moment but keep it to yourself. I don't even want to know." `1

"I was simply reacquainting myself with an old friend, Clarice."

Hannibal placed the keys in the dashboard ignition and smiled again as the engine roared to life.

"She is beautiful, Clarice. Just as I remember her. Thank you."

"You're welcome, H. Why don't we go for a short ride while your sauce simmers?"

Hannibal nodded, "Why not." He put the car in gear and quickly pulled out into the road.

Though it was a crisp winter day and a new snow had dusted the landscape, Clarice enjoyed watching Hannibal more than she enjoyed the sites along the way. This was the first gift she had given her husband that she believed was truly inspired. The look on his face as he pressed the gas, feeling the response of the car as he asked more of it was priceless. She was thrilled.

Hannibal wasn't comfortable leaving his sauce untended for more than twenty minutes. So they headed home. He parked the car, turned off the ignition and remained behind the wheel for what seemed to Clarice to be forever, though it was no more than two or three minutes.

"Thank you, Clarice. I hope the gifts I purchased for you will equal this in thoughtfulness. You could not have chosen better."

"Gifts, H…" Clarice questioned. What did you do?"

"One of the gifts is in our home here. The other gift is being held for you in Argentina and will be delivered the day after we return to that home."

Hannibal reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a card. It was a hand painted valentine. There was a likeness of Clarice cradled in Hannibal's arms. His head was lowered, his cheek resting on her shoulder. Inside it read simply, to my Love, Clarice on Valentine's Day- Ever yours, H

Within the card was a photograph of a chestnut mare with a white star shaped marking between her eyes. She wore a loose hackamore with a deep purple ribbon fastened to the side. The name on the ribbon read, Hannah.

Tears fell from Clarice's eyes.

"The gift was meant to please you, Clarice. I understand that it references a difficult event in your life therefore, if it upsets you, I will return her."

"I'm not upset, H…I'm touched. You never cease to amaze me."

"You amaze me as well, Clarice."

"Hey…H!"

"Clarice?"

"Let's get inside so you can stir your sauce. We've got a few hours until dinner. I'll meet you in the bedroom and will see what else we can stir up."

LEMON WARNING! Stop reading if you have any misgivings! I promise you won't miss any plot points!

Hannibal attended to the sauce, stirring it vigorously. As he moved quickly through the kitchen, his mind drifted to the bedroom. He imagined he was witnessing Clarice as she removed her clothing. It was a sight he never tired of. He inhaled deeply, recalling the release of her scent as she peeled off the layers of her clothing the evening previous. Disappointed that she would likely be in bed when he reached the bedroom, Hannibal finished quickly and bounded up the stairway taking two steps at a time. Clarice was resting on her left side with her back to the door. He examined the curve of her back, one leg lifted slightly over the other, the slightest hint of her sex. Fully nude, to Hannibal's heightened senses her scent was heavy in the air.

Tempting me, Clarice? You have been more successful than you can know.

Hannibal undressed quickly and slipped beneath the covers sidling his body, already firm with desire, alongside Clarice. She moved slightly, a hint of an airy breath escaped her.

Hannibal could not see her face, though he was certain from that sound and from the relaxed pattern of her breathing, that she had fallen asleep.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Hannibal stretched out against her body and enjoyed the pattern of her breathing. The heat of his body and the contact against her, stirred Clarice slowly awake. She stretched against him sending surges of warmth and energy along Hannibal's nerve endings. He nuzzled his nose along the warm skin of her neck placing whispers of kisses just behind her ear.

Clarice moved to roll toward him but Hannibal stayed her, holding her hips as he pressed against her. He continued to kiss her neck. His wife arched her back against him, and turned her head to expose her neck further. He hummed low and deep, the vibration of which caused a warm sensation to flood Clarice's body as he explored the pleasure of her flesh hot against his lips.

"Hannibal…" Clarice spoke his full name, hoping it would shift his attention. It did not.

Hannibal was lost within himself, searching her body with his mouth; just this small section of tender flesh had become the world to him. He memorized the warmth, the salty taste of it. He inhaled the scent, memorizing the bright mixture of her soaps and lotions, all hand-engineered to his exact specifications to enhance and compliment her own personal scent. He wrapped himself within the sensory blanket of sights, and smells and tastes that were his Clarice.

Though he was a patient lover, this singular attention to an area more sensual than sexual in nature was unusual. Clarice, now fully awake, questioned, "Hannibal? Is everything okay?"

Hannibal's urged, "Please, Clarice…allow me this."

Hannibal wrapped his fingers through her hair and could feel the silky texture of it as he nudged further along her neckline. He gently curled locks of it around his fingers, twisting and releasing the curls and the scent of her shampoo with it.

This full spectrum of sensations began to overwhelm him. As he pursued her flesh, now radiating want, he contemplated the fullness of time and how so long ago the carnal indignity of a mad man encouraged Hannibal to call out to her. This decision was uncharacteristically spontaneous for a cautious man. Although he had so cruelly dismissed her, the urgency and sincerity of his call, combined with her ambition and natural curiosity brought her running back to him.

That one moment, that decision, set this life into motion. It so easily could have been different. He so easily could have been different. He reached around her for the child within and grasped her belly.

"Clarice…" he managed, his voice rich with emotion. He nuzzled against her merely seeking comfort.

Pressed against her body, flushed with his own desire he pondered the coldness of the asylum glass warming upon her return to him, heated both from his anger and his sudden attraction to her. She was so bold, so brave…so young.

"I need you, Clarice," he whispered.

Believing he was signaling his desire for her body she attempted to turn into him.

Again, he stalled her movement and whispered in her ear, "No…I need you. Your presence in my life is central to my existence. I… wanted you… to know that."

She sensed his difficulty, "I know H, I know. I feel the same way."

He turned her toward him and began to kiss her softly, gently probing with his lips and tongue.

Clarice sought more direct contact reaching down and taking hold of her husband she gently moved her hand slowly, rhythmically, encouraging his attention to her.

Hannibal closed his eyes, his lips parted slightly as a low groan rumbled from deep within. He dropped his head to her shoulder and shifted his hips allowing her freedom to move. Slowly she caressed him as he nestled his cheek along hers, his breathing deepening as he rolled his hips against her body.

"H…soon…I need you soon."

Hannibal searched her throat, trailing his tongue along her flesh she sighed her approval pulling at his shoulders in a vain attempt to draw her closer to him. She sped the movement of her hand.

Hannibal bucked slightly at the increased contact and pulled back from her.

"Did I hurt you, H?"

Just a whisper, "No…slow…Clarice…Slow…"

Hannibal moved along her body, tracing a tiny trail with his tongue down between the dip of her collarbone, along the sternum. He rested his cheek on her right breast and watched, as with the rising and falling of her breath her left breast undulated just slightly. He marveled at the peak of flesh topping it."

"You are perfection, Clarice."

"I'm also impatient H…I want you…now."

Hannibal lifted his head and captured her breast, hearing her breath catch just slightly as his teeth nicked the sensitive flesh.

"Mmmmm, H…that's so good." Encouraged, he latched to her sucking firmly. She released a deep sensual sound that burned itself into Hannibal's memory.

The sensations of her tightly pebbled flesh constricting to his probing teeth and tongue, Hannibal captured the moment and stored it for later enjoyment. He teased at the flesh and received as a gift for his attention to her, a long, protracted sound, deep and throaty with desire.

"Oh, God…H…Oh God…"

Hannibal sought her flesh, again staying within this small window of her form. This minute piece of anatomy the total focus of his desire became for Hannibal a bright light of pleasure that fully illuminated his consciousness.

Clarice attempted to shift her body and positioned his firm flesh so that she might accept him.

"Now, H…I want you now."

Hannibal, still within his mind, pulled her over his body.

"Are you sure, H?"

"Your breasts, Clarice."

Clarice leaned forward offering her body to him as Hannibal slowly pressed himself into her. His stomach fluttered as a light, wispy breath, the same airy sigh of want he was accustomed to, whispered in his ear.

Hearing this escalated Hannibal's hunger. With no more than her name on his lips to voice his adoration, she understood the full measure of his desire, "Clarice…Clarice…"

Hannibal whispered his love to his wife as he pushed himself deeper within.

Leaning into her husband, Clarice rocked gently, her breasts brushing back and forth across his face.

Hannibal breached his body and captured her flesh again, latching to her as he moved within.

Clarice moved gently with him, encouraging him, further fueling his passion, "Yes…yes…H…Yes."

Hannibal rolled his hips upward, driving himself more fully within. He did not release her breast.

Clarice moved back and forth, rocking over him, tilted to offer her breasts, her body angle intensified her pleasure. She bent over him, breathless.

Hannibal felt her body tensing around him, and above him. His own release too close, he allowed his mind to wander the halls of his memory palace. He stood before the painting of Leda and the Swan that had been owned by the German man Hannibal rented a home from along the Chesapeake as he awaited the closing of the home he purchased in Barney's name. He examined the coupling and mused, as he had when first he stood before it, that there was real heat in the moment.

Within the great halls of the palace, he could hear Clarice, passion building as she moved above him, groan as her body shuddered with the beginnings of her ecstasy.

Hannibal shifted his attention from the heat of the painting to the real heat of the moment. He pulled her shoulders to secure his mouth more firmly to her breast, teasing the flesh now peaked from lust. As he suckled, she whispered, "Oh…oh…oh…Hannibal…Hannibal…Oh, God…Oh, God!"

Clarice doubled over him, her body quaking with her rapture and Hannibal grabbed her hips and drove himself within. The muscles within closed tightly around him. Hannibal closed his eyes and allowed his body to feel. He breathed the heated scent of their coupling, mixing and blending heady with the taste of it as it passed through his nostrils and over his tongue.

He felt the squeezing compression of her femininity as she held him tightly within. All personal, all emotional, all Clarice, and all Hannibal's he finally gave himself to his own pleasure.

Hannibal released Clarice's breast and arched his back. He opened his eyes and grabbed her hips pulling her to him as he moved himself upward. Clarice clutched his shoulders, leaned over and whispered in his ear, her voice still breathy from exertion, "Give it all to me, H…I want you all."

Hannibal's body shuddered as he released himself within the woman he loved.

Clarice lowered herself to him and held him as his body shook in ecstasy. She remained steady, unmoving until his body relaxed in full surrender to her.

After several moments of stillness, his breathing finally aligning with her own Hannibal whispered in his wife's ear, "You're mine, Clarice…All mine."

Holding him tightly to her she whispered in return, "I'm all yours, H…Only yours."

This moment, Clarice's gift to Hannibal, was the most satisfying gift of all.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Review and let me know what you think, then PM and say Hi!

Until the next chapter my friends!

LH