Love is dangerous

Author's note: I clearly shouldn't be doing this. I know that I have already three stories going and I rarely update lately, because of lack of time. The thing is that I have quite a few ideas for new stories and this particular one has been hunting me the past few days. Reversed is more difficult to write. After twelve chapters I slowly will start revealing more information on Catherine's condition. I have to be careful to be consistent, so in order to update a chapter with a satisfying length, a lot of time is required. That is why I chose to write the first chapter of this story instead. There are no beasts, so it is less complicated. Don't worry though, I promise to update Reversed this weekend!

This idea for this story came from a Greek TV show. It will not have much to do with the show itself as I am taking a completely different direction. Also, the idea of Vincent's job in the one is from another TV show, but this is all that I am taking from that show as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Beauty and the Beast or the ideas from Μπρούσκο and Κλεμμέναόνειρα. They belong to their rightful owners. I am just borrowing and developing them to create my own fan fiction.

Warning: If you are not comfortable with issues like child abuse, murder, prostitution and striptease, then this story might not be quite right for you. Not everything mentioned above will be described thoroughly, but some situations will, so I am rating this story "M".

Chapter 1 – Palais d'Amour

Vincent was sitting in his office. It was ten p.m. and he probably should be heading home, but there always was more than enough work waiting for him. He was twenty-eight years old and already a very successful businessman. He came from a rich family, but had refused to take their money to start business. His father was a terrible man, smart but terrible. He wanted to own Vincent, just like he wanted to own everything. When Vincent announced that he was interested in mathematics instead of studying something which would allow him to lead the family's corporation, Michael Keller threatened to disinherit him.

But Vincent was strong. He had better ideals than money. He gladly refused his heritage to follow his dreams and he succeeded. With his astonishing qualifications he earned a scholarship for one of the most prestigious colleges worldwide, which excelled in mathematics.

Now he was sitting at an expensive, heavy desk. His leather chair was worth more than the furniture of an entire apartment. Vincent looked around in his office. He had earned his wealth with his sharp mind and was able to keep it thanks to J.T., his best friends. If it wasn't for him, Vincent would have lost it all in his dark years.

He shuddered remembering it. Slowly he unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk and took out a picture. With a sigh he caressed the face in it. His eyes were filled with sadness.

"Can't believe you are still working, buddy! Come on, it's Friday night! Let's got out, have some fun. You know what "fun" is, right? I don't need to bring you a dictionary, do I?" a man in great mood entered the room.

Vincent quickly locked the picture away.

"I saw it, V, no need to hide it. You have to stop this, man. She won't come back," the man's mood dropped.

"I know J.T., I know. I just thought of something that reminded me of her," Vincent sighed, "did you want anything in particular?"

"Yeah, the guys and I are going out for some fun tonight. I was hoping you would join us this time," J.T. said although there wasn't much hope in his voice.

"Come on man, you know the answer, so why do you even bother?" Vincent stated the obvious.

"No, V, not this time. It has been five years. You need to start living. This job isn't everything your life should be about. You are young; you are handsome, successful and smart. Go out there and live," J.T. insisted.

When he saw that Vincent was about to object again he continued: "Do it for me. I need my best friend back."

That hit a nerve. J.T. could see the guilt creeping in Vincent's eyes. He had neglected his friend and he knew it.

"Alright, where are we going?" he sighed in defeat.

"It's a surprise!" J.T. grinned.

"Come on man, seriously?" Vincent grunted. They were standing in front of the "Palais d' Amour"; a strip club.

"Relax, bro. You are single, so what is your problem?" Zach punched him on the shoulder.

"I don't go to places like that," Vincent said through his death.

"Well, you don't go anywhere," Daniel pointed out, "so this place is as good as any. Now stop complaining and get going!"

Vincent closed his eyes, lowered his head and sighed in defeat. Then he took a deep breath and moved towards the entrance.

The place was full. Either it had very good reputation or men visited those places too much in general. It was dark and warm, colorful lights were adding to the atmosphere. It looked quite classy if someone considered what it actually was.

"Sit down and enjoy, big guy. We brought you to the country's most famous strip club. These chicks make more tips in a night than some people in a month," Zach pushed him down on a comfortable couch and sat beside him.

"Yeah, especially their little star," Daniel winked.

Just in that moment a lady entered the stage. She was probably in her sixties, so hopefully not one of the strippers. Given her age, Vincent was surprised by her outfit. She was showing more cleavage than most of the 25-year-olds he knew. Her dress was long, had a very large cut right up to her hip, though. It was a deep purple, which she matched with silver high heels. He wondered how she was able to walk on them, they were at least 5 inches. Her make-up was very extreme and her hair had a professional touch.

"Ladies and Gentlemen; or should I just say gentlemen," she laughed at her own joke. Her voice sounded even older than her face looked. Vincent guessed that it were the cigarettes. They were a bad habit, one he had quit years ago. "I have the honor to announce our most special girl. Please, give a big applause for Jasmine!"

Vincent didn't understand this exaggeration. She was just a stripper just like anyone else in there. God knew what had made her to take this job. He was about to turn to his left to J.T. and make a comment on how advertisement was rule number one in every business, when Jasmine stepped on the stage. Vincent's eyes grew wide and his mouth opened slightly. In the back of his head there was the sensation that he was forgetting something. He realized what it was when he inhaled sharply. He had been holding his breath involuntarily.

Author's note: So who is Jasmine and who is the woman in the photo? Will our conservative V like the strip club after all? Reviews are much appreciated! Thank you!