The heavy black doors of the Velour Room open. Dimmed red light, sensual music and the scent of expensive perfumes welcome Thibault Dornini and his fiancée Sabine.
Thibault wears a tailored black suit with the top buttons of his shirt undone. One hand rests casually in his trouser pocket while Sabine clings to his arm.
"So this is where you keep disappearing to?"
she asks curiously, taking in the luxurious interior.
"Among other places, darling."
Hardly have they entered the main area when Sabine stops dead in her tracks.
On one of the illuminated stages, a dancer moves around a gleaming pole. Another sits on the lap of an elegantly dressed guest while couples disappear into private lounges behind heavy velvet curtains.
"Thibault!"
Sabine hisses in shock.
"This is a damn strip club!"
He casts a casual glance at the stage.
"Good observation."
"You told me this was an exclusive members' club!"
"It is."
He smiles, amused.
"The membership is even extremely expensive."
Sabine stares at him in disbelief.
"We are ENGAGED!"
Thibault stops at the bar and orders his usual whiskey.
"Arranged to be engaged, Sabine. Our fathers signed a contract. The two of us did not fall in love with each other."
"That still doesn't give you the right to fool around with random women here!"
He takes his glass and turns to her with a charming smile.
"You're welcome to pick someone out for yourself, by the way. A handsome stripper, perhaps? Lucien is excellent. Or one of the ladies, just as you like."
Sabine's mouth drops open.
"You want me to pick out a STRIPPER?!"
"I'm offering it to you. A small difference."
He takes a sip of whiskey.
"I'll cover the bill, of course."
At that moment Teodor Malin, the owner of the club, approaches the two of them.
"Thibault! How lovely to see you."
His gaze wanders curiously to Sabine.
"And you've brought company? That's new."
"Teodor, this is Sabine. My fiancée."
Teodor's eyebrows rise in surprise.
"Your fiancée? Well, that promises to be an interesting evening."
"You have no idea,"
Thibault replies dryly.
Sabine crosses her arms indignantly.
"I can't believe you brought me here!"
Thibault smiles over the rim of his glass.
"You insisted on it for six weeks, darling. I am merely an accommodating fiancé."
Teodor suppresses a laugh.
"Shall I prepare a table for you?"
"My usual spot,"
Thibault answers.
"And tell me, Teodor, is my favorite lady in the house tonight?"
Sabine slowly turns her head toward him.
"Your… WHAT?"
Thibault sets his glass down and looks past her, straight at you.
"Go and sit down, Sabine. I'll be a while."