DISCLAIMER: This is an alternate universe story based on Beauty and the Beast. The characters have all graciously agreed to let me use their names in my work of fan-fiction, with the understanding that I return them to the CW network after my story is completed. This is completely for entertainment purposes, so no funds were transferred physically or by wire.

Catherine hurried to the kitchen to get her morning started. With the memory of Vincent's lips claiming hers, etched on her mind, sleep had been elusive. Every time her eyes closed, she saw his face, smelled his woodsy scent. Sure, she had been kissed many times, but his simple kiss had been breathtaking. He had awakened a dormant passion in her and her body wanted more. Craved more. But even as she acknowledged her desire, she knew it could never be. They could never be. Her body and mind wore the scars of her last relationship, and she couldn't endure the heartache and pain again, no matter how different Vincent was. Squaring her shoulders, she went to battle in the kitchen, and by the time the crew arrived, she had prepared a buffet to end all buffets. Quiche Lorraine, breakfast potatoes, waffles, shrimp and grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage and eggs lined the table. After looking at all the items on the table, she wondered if she had prepared too much. But by the sounds of the men, she suspected she hadn't. Although, she wasn't so sure how productive they would be, with full stomachs. Walking around the table, she placed juice, coffee, and milk on the table. Working extra hard, she averted her attention to keep from meeting Vincent's eyes. Eyes with the power to command her attention and demand anything, and she would be powerless to refuse.

With the men taken care of, she ambled back to the kitchen, and started the cleaning process. She already had a pot of red beans on the stove cooking for lunch, and she would make some cornbread, rice, and throw some sausage in the pot at the end. Dessert would be apple pie and ice cream. By noon the sun would be beaming overhead, and the ice cream would be a welcomed relief from the heat.

...

JT looked over at Vincent and raised a brow. "Are you still sulking about yesterday?"

Vincent put his fork down and scrubbed his hand down his face. "No, I've gone and committed a new infraction."

JT shook his head. "You just can't keep your mouth closed, can you?"

"My mouth is to blame, but not for talking. It's the meeting of tongues that incurred her wrath this time," Vincent whispered.

JT suffered a brief coughing spell before taking a drink of juice. He set the glass down and looked at Vincent. "Please tell me you didn't."

"It just happened," Vincent replied.

"Yeah, sure." He placed his elbows on the table and leaned in. "Look, I don't mean to play devil's advocate here, but right now is not the time. I know you may know more about her situation, and that's all the reason why she should allow her the time to heal," JT said.

"She seemed to enjoy it as much as I did, for the record. But you are right, we do need to pump the brakes on whatever is happening between us. It's just I can't seem to control myself around her," Vincent said, glancing up at the doorway.

JT followed the direction of Vincent's eyes and looked back at him. "I think you should go apologize, and then keep your comments, and your lips to yourself, for now anyway."

"That's your best advice, yet. I think that's what I'll do. I'll meet you at the stables."

Vincent stood up and walked toward the kitchen. By the time he reached the door and caught a glimpse of Catherine, he knew he was done for.

...

Catherine felt his presence before she saw him. Her heart slammed against her breastbone. At at once, her hands began to tremble. Grateful, she was near the counter, she gripped the ends and waited to hear his deep voice. And she wasn't disappointed. He spoke and the sound washed over her body, caressing her ears like a love song. She found she couldn't turn around and face him. The little restraint that remained, would dwindle with a simple glance. Instead, she prayed he would state his business, and walk away. Hopeful wishing, she knew. Because, the last thing he would do was walk away. And, if she was being honest, she didn't want him to, either.

"Catherine, I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't have kissed you. I got caught up in the moment and I couldn't help myself."

"It's okay. We are both to blame," she replied without turning around.

"Then why can't you look at me?" He asked.

She heard his steps come closer and her mouth went dry. Every nerve in her body came alive, against her will. Her mouth refused to open and send him away. And then his strong, calloused hands touched her shoulder, causing heat to spread throughout her body. Desire wrapped around her core, and she was helpless to his touch. No longer able to delay the inevitable, she turned around, and met his hazel eyes. Fringed with dark lashes, they bore in her soul, and siphoned her secrets.

"Vincent, please," she pleaded.

He placed a hand on either side of her and touched the counter. Leaning even closer, the hotness of his breath heated her ear, mirroring the fire building within. His mouth opened, dropping the words that transported her to a dangerous impasse.

"Do you want me to stop?" He whispered.

His words vibrated against her ear, and evaporated into thin air, but the memory lingered long after. A resounding NO, traveled from her heart to her throat, waiting for the opportunity to meet Vincent's ears, and welcome him with open arms; to claim her lips, ravish her body, and steal her heart. Unable to deny herself of the guilty pleasure, she shook her head and the simple gesture spurred him into action. Dipping his head, his lips descended upon hers, setting her entire body ablaze. She grasped the fabric of his shirt, unable to protest, unable to deny herself the pleasure his lips gave her. He pulled her closer and all thoughts dissipated under his touch. She opened her mouth and he wasted no time slipping his warm tongue in. Time seemed to stand still as the kiss escalated. All too soon, he eased out of the kiss, and looked in her eyes. She swallowed a whimper of protest. A cry for him to continue and never stop.

"We can't keep fighting our attraction to each other. I think it's pointless," Vincent said.

"I know, but I just escaped an abusive relationship. I don't know how to be in a regular relationship."

He cupped her face. "Let me help you. Let me hold your hand while your scars heal. We can take things slow."

"I'm sorry, Vincent. I can't. You don't understand how broken I am. Now that I have some semblance of freedom, I can't jump into another relationship. I like you, but we must remain friends, for now."

He gave her a sober look. "I understand. I don't want to, but I do. That doesn't mean I'll give up on you."

She nodded and watched him walk away. The sound of his cowboy boots echoed across the hardwood floor, as he disappeared around the corner. But the picture of him in his plaid shirt, with chaps covering his jeans, refused to leave her mind. Before she could become engrossed in a daydream, the backdoor opened and an older woman walked in. A startled Catherine looked over at the woman with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't know anyone was here," the woman stated.

"I'm Catherine, the new cook."

"Hi Catherine. I'm Mary, the housekeeper. I could wring that boy's neck. I've been off for the last two days, but he could have told me he hired you."

Catherine chuckled. "It's not his fault. William hired me and he failed to inform Vincent as well. I've only been here about two days."

Mary threw her bag on the counter. "You just saved him from a good tongue-lashing. I had my mouth ready to bring the embers of hell down on his day. I've been working here since he was knee-high to a June bug, and I still have to set his actions to right sometime. He's a good man, though. And I couldn't ask for a better employer." She paused and slid on one of the stools. "Now look at me running off at the mouth. Take the load off and tell me about yourself," she said, patting the stool beside her.

Catherine checked on the beans, before walking around and taking a seat as well. "There's not a lot to tell. I'm from New York and I used to be a police detective. I ended up in a sticky situation, and William helped me by hiring me to work here."

Mary placed an elbow and the counter and propped her head against her closed hand. "By sticky, you mean a scared coward who put his hands on you."

Catherine frowned and looked down. "Is it that obvious?"

"Not to the normal person, but I've been there. I recognize the signs. I stayed in my marriage for ten years, and every year the beatings got worse. One day I woke up and decided, enough was enough. He came home that night in one of his moods and began punching me. Without missing a beat, I pulled my small handgun from my apron pocket, took the safety off, and slid my finger on the trigger. Mr. Tough Guy disappeared and he begged for his life. I tied him up, and inflicted some of the pain I had endured over the years, on him. Needless to say, by the time I called the police, he was a bloody mess. With my testimony and bruises, he was convicted. Of course, he didn't receive that much time, but after he was released, he didn't come looking for me, either.

Vincent's grandparents lived here at the time, and they got me through the horrible ordeal." She reached over and patted Catherine's hand. "The country has the ability to heal you, but you have to be willing to go of the hurt and pain. The memories will be remain, but you can't let the past control your future. Life is too short for that."

"Thank you for sharing your story with me. You have no idea how much it means to me. My parents are deceased and I lost contact with my sister. Although, I escaped, I am afraid he will come after me. He is wealthy and has the resources to find me," Catherine said, fighting the tears welling up in her eyes.

She thought about everything she had suffered over the years. The lost of her family and friends. All because she had chosen the wrong man. A man she thought loved her. She thought about the first time she had met him. She had been an ambitious police officer hoping to move up through the ranks. He was handsome, rich, and charismatic. She couldn't believe a powerful district attorney like him would give her the time of the day. Blinded by his charm and sexy smile, she fell hard. By the time she saw his true character, it had been too late. Many days she looked in the mirror, and wondered what had happened to the old Catherine. But she knew the answer. With his connections, she had no one or nowhere to hide. It was only after watching a documentary on abusive relationships, that she summoned the courage to escape. To run away from the monster Gabe had become. From the misery and pain he had inflicted on her.

"Now don't you go worrying none about him finding you. Even if he does, I can guarantee, he will be in for a big surprise. We take care of our own around here. Enjoy the peace and tranquility and let life happen. Better days are around the corner; mark my words," she said sliding off the stool.

...

Vincent pulled his truck into a parking space in front of the local feed and seed store. He let out a sigh when he saw Amy Williams headed in his direction. He often wondered if she had a tracking device on his truck, because she always seemed to pop up at the same places he frequented. Preparing himself for the voice like nails on a chalkboard, and unlimited flirting, he opened the door and stepped out into the sweltering heat.

"Vincent. How are you today?" Amy sing-songed before he could close his truck door.

He groaned and slid his Stetson on his head. "Good afternoon, Amy. I'm doing well."

"I haven't received my invitation to your barn party yet. You didn't forget to invite me again, did you?"

Vincent struggled to contain the smile threatening to overtake his mouth. No matter how much he didn't want to be bothered with her, he knew it would be rude to not invite her.

"I haven't sent the invitations out, yet. Don't worry, you'll get one," he said, reassuring her.

"Great!"

"Well, I'll see you later, Amy. I have to get some fertilizer and get back to the ranch. Tell your folks hi," he said, easing toward the front door of the store.

"Oh, sure. I'll be looking for my invitation. My number is the same if you want to go out sometime," she said.

"That's good to know. See you later," he said, tipping his hat as he opened the door to the store.

...

Catherine cleaned the kitchen and decided to go for a walk afterwards. She remembered Vincent mentioning a lake, so she decided to go find it. Using the light from the full moon, she followed a beaten path. Soon she heard the splashing of water, prompting her to speed up. Hiding behind a copse of trees, she look over at the lake. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw next. Vincent emerged from the water, without a stitch of clothing on. Her mouth flew open and her breathing became labored. She had daydreamed about what he looked like under his clothes, but her mind hadn't done him justice. He was a work of art, with muscles everywhere. Her eyes lingered on his flat abs for a moment, and then dropped further, causing her to stifle a moan. She hadn't had the pleasure of admiring a man's body in a long time.

He raised his hand and ran his fingers through his hair. The action drew her in and enraptured her to no end. She moved closer, needing to get a better look. All of sudden, his head turned and his gaze rested on her, freezing her in place. Unable to move or speak, she held his gaze.

"Are you enjoying the view? You're welcome to join me," he said, not making an effort to cover himself.

She swallowed and prayed her voice didn't reveal the depth of her desire. "I don't think that would be a good idea."

He walked over to his clothes and dressed as Catherine looked on. Afterwards, he walked toward her. Heat coiled around her body from his mere presence.

"I didn't plan on having a spectator tonight," he said with a brief smile.

She blushed and looked away. "Sorry for intruding on your privacy. I decided to go for a walk and I wanted to see the lake you mentioned."

He grabbed her hand and met her eyes. "Don't apologize for finding me here. You didn't know, I sometime take late night swims in the lake to relax."

"I better go. Dawn will be here soon," she said, needing to escape his intense gaze.

He rubbed his hand down her cheek. "You don't have to run away from me. I promised you I would give you space, and I will keep my word."

With the memory of his gorgeous body swirling around in her head, she wasn't so sure she wanted him to keep his promise. Throwing caution to the wind, and doing what she wanted, she stood on her tiptoes, and captured his lips in a kiss. If only for a night, she felt safe and happy, wrapped in his arms under the full moon.

Thanks everyone for your wonderful reviews. I enjoyed reading all of them. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter as well, and I look forward to reading your feedback. For the new readers: I try to update every week, usually on Wednesday, or by Friday. I am almost finished with the next chapter of Prisoners of Love, and will post by tomorrow. Enjoy your night or day, depending on your location.