I stood before the mirror, reflecting on a moment from months ago when a colleague and I went shopping. There, amidst the racks, I discovered a black Gilda & Pearl silk dress that caught my eye. Without a specific occasion in mind, I hesitated but ultimately decided to purchase it. When I tried it on, any doubts vanished—it hugged my body in all the right places. The dress featured a waved design that cascaded into lace detailing, creating an elegant plunge towards the bust. I paired it with my favorite Valentino slip-back heels, and the ensemble came together flawlessly. I had no clue where the night would lead, but I was ready for anything.
I put on my coat and I walked out the door. When I showed up to the address Dr. Lecter had given me, I was taken aback. The home was beautiful, but I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little creepy at night. It was in a historical district of Baltimore, where all the homes had that heir to them. I don't know what I expected, Dr. Lecter was all about the refined. It suited him perfectly.
As I walked through the iron gates a chill caught me, even in a coat it sent shivers down my spine. I glanced down at my feet, mindful of avoiding any cracks in the pavement that could catch my heel. As I reached the door, it swung open unexpectedly, revealing Dr. Lecter holding it ajar.
"Good Evening Dr. Lecter '' I said, I couldn't help but greet him with a smile
"Please, call me Hannibal" He took my hand and guided me in, returning a smirk.
Inside I smelt the aroma of something cooking. A mix of lemon, garlic and parsley. Hannibal proceeded to take off my coat as my gaze of the house got the best of me. The inside was just as gorgeous. It was dark and theatrical with hues and tone that were reminiscent of dark painting or sketch. My eyes kept looking around as he led me to the kitchen, another masterpiece. Steel islands with authentic butcher blocks. The lighting was low, but still one could see while cooking. The environment was soothing, putting me at ease.
"Your house is amazing" I said walking around the island as he chopped carrots. I was unaware of how serious he took cooking.
"Thank you, I remodeled the entire house when I bought it. You should have seen it before...lifeless" He said looking up at me with a grin.
Before I knew it a glass of red wine was in my hand. He had a cellar attached to the kitchen stocked with rare wines from all over the world. As he cooked, we talked about life, and places we had traveled to. He lived in Florence for a period of time and visited often. In fact he was there around the time I was living in France for school.
It was nice to talk to him about things like this instead of my pain. It felt right. I was amazed at his cooking skills, so precise.
"Is this your hobby?" I asked
"More than a hobby, it's a lifestyle for me now. I enjoy watching people eat my food." With a towel over his shoulder and a glass of wine in hand, he walked closer to me. His presence to me was undeniable, like if I had closed my eyes I would know it was him and not just any other man. I took another sip of wine and rested my hand on the island. He reached past me for the bottle of wine, brushing his body against mine in the process. I felt him pause, his mouth hovering near my neck. My throat felt exposed, like a prey waiting for the predator to strike. I waited, still. Soon an airy breath hit my neck and I wanted to scream in anticipation. I closed my eyes and soon felt his lips exploring, I could feel my jugular pound with blood rushing and pulsating against his lips. I felt like I was about to drop the wine glass, but just then he stopped. He was looking down at me, then his lips found mine. At that moment, I wanted everything he had to offer, pain or pleasure. I craved it.
Then....the oven rang.
"Dinner is ready" He said softly
I held my breath and soon started to control my breathing again. Hannibal was a tease, I was not expecting that.
I sat at the table while he prepared the finished touches. I had no idea what he was cooking, he said it was a surprise. On the wall in front of me was the fireplace with animalistic tones and dark sconces lit with candles. The amount of detail that went into the home was impressive.
Out from the kitchen, dressed in a paisley silk coat and bow tie came Hannibal holding a large silver dinner platter. He rested in the middle of the table.
"I present, Osso Buco." He said while arranging my plate to serve me.
"I hope you fancy veal," He added.
"I actually do. Did you learn this recipe while in italy?" I asked unfolding the napkin.
"Indeed I did. This is as authentic as it gets"
The smell up close was beautiful.
"I have eaten at a few Michelin restaurants, but somehow this looks more exquisite." I said as he took his seat.
"That is a compliment, Gabriella" He said looking over at me
We began to eat. The food tasted as I suspected, better than any Michelin restaurant I had visited while in France.The blend of flavors paired with the wine was gourmet. The veal was juicy and while there was a knife nearby, it was not necessary. It would have slipped through and cut to bone, that's how tender it was.
"If you don't mind me asking, Hannibal. What made you switch from being a surgeon to being a psychiatrist?" I was hesitant to ask.
He gently rested his fork on the side of his plate, preparing to speak.
"It was too exhausting. I got to see a lot of gruesome things, I spent my days and nights at the ER, I didn't have any time for life ...or my hobbies" He said winking, referencing the conversation earlier.
"I don't blame you." I said
"Enough about me, how about you? What made you become a paralegal?" He soon took another swig of wine.
"I don't really know. My mother was a paralegal, so I guess I decided it would make her happy. She always thought I was wasting my time studying abroad, and said it was an excuse to sleep with European men." I laughed
Hannibal, looked up at me
"....And was it?" He looked almost serious
"No. I have always been a perfectionist, so I spend my Friday nights working on assignments."
"Good girl." He said taking another bite. I didn't want to be presumptuous, but I had a feeling that Hannibal was into the darker side of things when it came to pleasure. I had a friend in college who bragged about how much she liked pain when she was with a man. She was a part of a community and would share all the dirty little details with us girls who were more vanilla than anything. There were parts I didn't understand, but I found myself open to the possibilities.
I never thought much of the concept of control and how or if it could be sexy, I suppose if the right man was in control I wouldn't mind it much.
The night drew on, and conversation waned. I wanted that moment from the kitchen back, so I could relieve it over and over. Hannibal suggested I stay the night, and I knew what that meant, but I didn't go as I had hoped.
In his room I laid on his bed. My heels were on the floor and I was ready, any moment. He motioned for me to stand up, and I did. My dress had a small zip in the side and he helped with it, effortlessly the silk ran up my body, revealing my bareness. I hadn't had much experience with men like Hannibal. He was rare and seemed to have it all. He towered over me and I expected a kiss.
"Lay on the bed" He commanded me in a loving voice.
I laid back, not breaking eye contact. The room was dim and I couldn't see if he was excited to have me here or not. He made his way to the other side of the bed.
"I want to watch you sleep." He said.
What? All this to watch me sleep?
I was already breathy. He gently kissed me on my lips, his chest bare against mind for a moment.
I now knew Hannibal was the ultimate tease.
YOU ARE READING
Dangerous Trio
FanfictionGabriella found herself stuck in a rut of mental health, feeling tired, worried, and restless. After months of searching for a new therapist, she decided to try a psychiatrist named Hannibal. She had always experienced the same old small talk that l...