Dirty Little Secret

14

Spencer was always lost boy. His mother called him Peter Pan. He was always restless, could never find his place.

Always running. Always lost.

When his father died, he really got lost.

Wandering from reality, creating his own Neverland filled with other lost souls, drifting, getting into whatever they stumbled into.

Never growing up.

He couldn't face his mother, so essentially he orphaned himself. His mother begged him to come home but he couldn't.

Then his aunt came in and took him into her home. He loved her aunt, her father's sister, and his uncle was nice enough.

He just never seemed to find his place.

But waking up with Bailey, he felt in his place. Like this is what he was looking for.

And that scared him. When you're lost for so so long, you fear the idea of being found

Being tied down.

You fear the weight of love. Any type. Family, romantic, friendly he just...

He couldn't.

Bailey woke up shortly after he did. He grinned at her boyishly.

“Morning,” Bailey blushed. He had dimples.

“Morning.”

“So were you serious? We still friends?”

Bailey gave in. “Yeah. We're still friends.”

“Thank you, Treasure.”

“Yeah, Yeah. Get up.”

He grinned, stretching his toned arms, showing his tattoos.

Bailey looked down shyly.

“Want hang out later?”

“I guess,” Bailey shrugged.

As much as she liked him, and as attractive she he was, she simply could not reconcile second chances with relationships.

Patterns. We are creatures of habit.

Bailey had a habit of getting hurt.

People had a habit of hurting her.

She was so stretched so thin, that...the next betrayal, abandonment, it would make her snap.

She'd never done that before. But on the fringes of madness she knew nothing good would come of it.

Spencer knew she still didn't trust him. He knew...

“So... whatcha doing today?”

Bailey shrugged, getting out of the bed.

“Stay in. Read. Maybe write.”

“Go out with me,” He blurted.

Bailey froze.

“What?”

“Let's go to a club or a party. Meet some new people. Just—”

Spencer bit his tongue. Just no men he wanted to say.

But he couldn't. He couldn't say that. If he did he would never see her again.

“Maybe that's a good idea. I need to get out. Maybe meet a guy who isn't a douche.”

Spencer retracted in offence.

“You're my friend,” She clarified with a smile. “You don't count.”

“You know what? Maybe we should—”

“I'll go get ready,” she had that excited look. Happy. He wouldn't do what he did last time.

“How long will it take you?”

“We're going at night silly. Who goes to a club in the day time.”

“Look,” glanced past him. “If you don't wanna go out it's fine. We can do it another time.”

Spencer sighed in relief. “Good. I thought—”

“I'll just fly solo on this one. But I have to get ready so get out.”

“What about an arcade? He tried as she pushed him out the door.

“What about—”

“If you're embarrassed to be seen with me, that's fine,” She said genuinely. “Just tell me in advance so I can work around you.”

Spencer hated everything in that moment. “It's not that I'm embarrassed to seen with you. I'm proud to be seen with you.”

Though what he said was true it obviously didn't register.

“So what's the problem? I'm not ready yet, I'm not gonna leave like this—”

“It has nothing to do with anything bad about you and I wish you would stop assuming that I—”

“I don't assume anything. I infer. Now, are you going or are you not. We can go in separate entrances. Or you could first and me after you—”

“Stop!” His irritation could not be quelled. He had never heard her saying anything good about herself.

She always assumed it was her fault. That she did something wrong or was something and pissed him off.

I mean, she was beautiful. Gorgeous. She's perfect.

He didn't see how she could look in the mirror and come to any other conclusion.

But then again, look at her family.

She was worth more than any other woman. Because she was beautiful inside and out. Because she was intelligent, and wise.

She thought ahead. She was kind, and so so adorable.

She was multifaceted. In his life, Spencer has never met anyone with as many facets to their personality that Treasure.

She could be shy. She could be frank. She could be rude. She could be sweet. She can be the voice of reason or she could...go on crime spree.

It was more though. And he loved figuring her out.

Bailey was tired of this conversation.

“Spencer?”

“Why can't you say anything good about yourself? I can list at least ten good things about you. Why can't you?”

She stared him blankly. She had set up a firm wall, reinforced with steel.

“Because I'm insecure and have no self esteem,” she stated factually. “You get with it or get lost. Either way I'll live.”

Stunned, Spencer froze, giving Bailey the opportunity to shove him out of her apartment.

“I'll be leaving at eight.”

She shut and locked the door.

Spencer stared at the slab of wood as if were the answer to life and he simply could not grasp it all.

Vince glared at Spencer's back.

“Hey douche!”

He turned around. “What did I do?”

“You left that's what. I was...” Vince looked as he swallowed something unknowingly, and just found out the ingredients.

“Curious as to where you disappeared to and why you couldn't your only cousin to let him know.”

Spencer snorted, walking past him into the apartment.

“Sorry Father. I won't break curfew again,” He started sarcastically.

“And you're not my inky cousin. You're the only cousin I claim ”

Vince was not amused. He was worried. He cousin left the apartment intoxicated, without his phone and doing God knows what with God knows who.

He could've tried to drive. Could've gotten mugged or killed and he wouldn't know.

“Whatever,” Vince rolled his eyes. “Just text next time.”

He retreated into his room.

Spencer frowned. He had hurting people all week, and he didn't know why.

“Vince,” He called after his cousin, throwing his keys on the table.

“Come on Vince I'm sorry,” Vincent cared about few things, he was a careless man. But he cared about his family.

His mother. Father. Daughter. Cousin.

“Whatever Spencer. Don't you have work or something?”

Spencer sighed. He wouldn't force his way in.

“I apologize for being inconsiderate. I will text next time.”

Vince shrugged haplessly. “That all?”

“Yes,” the door began to close. “Actually no. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the club with me and Treasure?”

“No thanks. I'm not in the mood tonight. Have fun. You know my number.”

And with that he shut the door.

Spencer was just being a terrible person. He didn't mean to. He tried to understand it, tried to fix it.

At the same time, his wandering spell was cast again. He was getting attached he hated attached.

He had friends. But they weren't...friends.

He just wanted to tuck tail and run. He loved running. As a general rule.

Loved the adrenaline, loved the fresh air, loved the freeness.

He couldn't run through. Not until he fixed what he did.

⚡

That night, Spencer came out of the door at 7:55. She was there.

He swallowed the lump in her throat.

She wore tight leather pants, a slinky top, and leather jacket. She wore heeled leather shoes.

“Lady in Leather tonight?”

Her hair was up in a very neat bun. She wore earrings, gold. Gold bangles. Gold eyeshadow that brought out the gold in her eyes. A black line spanned her lids, winging out to the perfect cat eye.

Her lips were a purple pink mixture. He didn't know what the hell it was called, but he wanted it all over his—

“So?”

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Treasure.”

She smiled again, but it was that, I hear you talking smile. She didn't register compliments at all.

They never ended up being sincere.

“No I meant where are we going and how are getting there?”

“I was thinking Insanity.”

Insanity was the best night club this part this part of the city.

“Okay. I'll be the designated driver.”

Spencer frowned once more, his brow creasing. “No. No. I want you to have a good time. I'll be the designated driver. No drinking.”

“Alright. Your car then?”

He nodded.

And so they took the trip to Insanity. Spencer wasn't sure he made the right call though.

It was called Insanity for a reason and last time he was there...

“Look, this club it's known for drugs, LSD. Don't let anyone give anything. I will order your drinks. They'll know your new.”

He wasn't. Bailey nodded. Sounded reasonable. “All right. That sounds good.”

He sighed in relief. Thank God.

“I want you to have to fun too though.”

“Oh, I will.”

And he meant it. Watching her in those clothes was entertaining in itself.

He couldn't stop looking at her.

She had excellent fashion sense. And he didn't think she had on any makeup other than lipstick and the eye stuff.

She was so sexy. Edgy but reasonable. It was after February after all.

They got to Insanity and after fighting for parking, they finally got out.

Honestly, he just wanted to see her free. He wasn't there for anything else.

As the approached the entrance, he grabbed her hand.

“Make sure your phone is on ring. You bought a portable charger?”

She nodded. “Perfect. If we're together, hold my hand. If not, don't go anywhere I can't see you not even the bathroom.”

Bailey nodded. She was excited.

Spencer was so nervous. Why did he pick this place?

The bouncer looked at their ID's. It was ladies night, so women got in free. He paid for himself, trying to get away as fast as possible.

“Here's your sticker darling.”

Spencer stopped the man's hand before he got near her.

“No. She doesn't want it. Any of it. Tell Ricky, she's off the list.”

The bouncer raised his brow.

“Do you want the sticker, Sweetie. It's just a sticker.”

“If it's just a sticker, than you wouldn't be so persistent. So what is really?”

The bouncer paled. “Move along.”

Spencer smirked. “I told you. Off the list. She's with me.”

Spencer eyes the bouncer again. He would call Ricky as soon he left and he knew it.

Bailey looked up at Spencer in question. He tugged her hand, and led her in.

“Don't let go of my hand okay?”

Bailey nodded, and tightened her grip.

Sweaty bodies grinded on each other under the strobing lights.

“Word of advice,” He yelled. “This is not a place to find guys who aren't douchbags.”

Bailey nodded sarcastically. “No, I got that. But thanks.”

He grinned down at her.

He kept pulling her, and when the crowd started breaking turn apart, he moved her in front of him, his arms around her waist. The pace was slower, but he knew no one would tear her from his arms.

Not with out a fight.

“This was a mistake!” He yelled. “Never come here again, it's dangerous. I wasn't thinking.”

Bailey nodded. “Can we stay a little while? Not long?”

No, he his shouted. Don't you dare it's just trouble. But his heart agrued, but the face. Look at that face.

The face won. “Fine. Half and Hour. One drink. That's all. And I will give it to you."

She nodded. She knew he knew what he was talking about. Spencer wasn't one to be uptight. But he seemed hypervigilant.

She wasn't one to be stupid.

“Alright. Lead the way.”

He did. They were almost to the bar when a woman stopped dead in front of them with those stickers and drinks.

“Free drinks and a cute sticker! Want one.”

“No. She doesn't want one. Move."

The woman tried to sway her. “It's perfectly harmless, try it. You'll like it."

Baliey shook her head. “Why would I trust you, a suspicious person in a club offering free drinks and a sticker over my friend?”

The woman paled.

“What did you bring in here, Iron Man?”

He smirked. “She won't fall for it, Lillian. Move. You heard her.”

Reluctantly she stepped aside. As they passee she tried to stick it to her anyway, but Spencer caught her hand.

He tightened his grip. “Don't. Next person who offers her something is gonna answer to me and it's a bad day.”

Lillian nodded frantically. She heard about Iron Man. Say him a couple times.

“Wait, Spencer.”

Lillian turned back, a shark's smile on her face.

“I knew you'd—”

“Shut up. What drug is that?”

Lillian opened her mouth and shut it. “LSD right? That's that small dot right there. I don't even wanna what's in the drinks. Don't offer me anything again. Spread the word."

Bailey smirked. “Spead the wealth.”

Spencer moved her along, his hands tightened around her waist.

They finally reached the bar, which was relatively deserted. People just took the drinks handed to them.

“We gotta get outta here.”

“But!”

“Treasure. We have to get out of here before—”

A man a handful of years older than Spencer, smiled. He wore an expensive suit and expensive smile.

“Spencer Holt! How have you been!”

The man put his hand out. Spencer glared at it until he put it down.

Clearing his throat he tried again.

“You're scaring away my customers. What's your name my little darling?”

Spencer hurriedly answered. Best not to get more interested than is.

“She's not your customer. She's not your little darling. And she's not stupid. Go away Ricky.”

Ricky didn't appreciate his answer. “I was asking little miss, Iron Man.”

Spencer tried not to she a physical reaction.

“My name is not little miss. Or darling. It's none of you buisness.”

Ricky's face fell. “Little girl do you know who I am?”

“Little predator, does it look I give a f**k? If it does I'm sorry for misleading you. I don't.”

Spencer contained his reaction.

Ricky looked at her in interest.

“You're not giving me any drugs,” Ricky cut his eyes. His eyes went to his gun. So it did Spencer's.

“You're not gonna stick LSD on me with a sticker. A sticker? What club gives out stickers are people that stupid?’

Yes, Spencer though. Yes and I was too.

“I wanna leave Spencer.”

He readily obliged. “Let's go.”

“Not so fast!”

Bailey had had it. If one thing that made her angry it was predators like him. People who fool inocennt people into doing things they wouldn't.

Forcing them to do things they don't want to by drugging them up, and they don't even even know.

That, is some thing that would get her out her shell and completely outta pocket.

She broke free from Spencer's hold, approaching tolhe older, taller man. She hated coward like him.

“Let me explain something,” Her hand was in her bag.

The man looked amused.

“I'm not a little white girl. I'm not gonna scream. Or fight. I'm gonna shoot you.”

His smile fell a little. He knew it was all talk.

“When you go to your gun, I'll already have mine. My daddy took me to a shooting range since I was six. Before you can call for back up like a b***h, you'll already be cold.”

His smile fell completely. He realized she wasn't joking. And Spencer stood behind her saying nothing.

But the way he eyed him.

“The irony here is your drugged up patrons won't even notice. Sad lonely death isn't it? So we're gonna leave. And we will never come back here. Sound good?”

He nodded. “I need verbal confirmation, because I don't trust you.”

“I said fine. Just leave.”

She nodded. Turning her back, she walked away. Before he could draw his gun to shoot her in the back she'd already shoot his hand.

He screamed, a hole through his hand.

“p***y ass bitch.”

Spencer picked her up. “Alright little monster, let's go. No more shooting, put it down.”

She sucked her teeth. “You're no fun, Spencer.”

“You are trouble Treasure.”

She smiled up at him.

“Alright where are we are going?”

“Home.”

“No, you promised me a night out!” She protested.

“I know, and I picked the wrong place and I'm sorry. Let's drink at home, Treasure.”

“But I wanted to meet new people!"

“Maybe it's not a good time right now. Besides, a club is not where you should...look for a guy. Go to a library or something.”

She quirked a brow. “So you want me to be forever alone?”

He looked down at her smiling. “Not alone.”

“Spencer, you're my friend. You should want me happy.”

“I do. I want you happy. But why get hurt for no reason?"

She sighed softly.

Spencer instantly took it back.

“As your friend I'm tell you this; a club is not where you will find someone for you.”

She looked up at him. He had been carrying her, her feet hurt, and she didn't want to get down.

He didn't want to put her down.

“What's wrong with me?”

“I'll tell you right now."

She paid rapt attention, making him roll his eyes.

“You are different. I mean everyone woman is different but you need more. You need someone who can keep up with you.”

She frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Treasure, you're intelligent. You're creative. I don't know what you do, but apparently you're excellent at it. And you have so many sides to you.”

Bailey closed her eyes.

“What if no one can deal with me?”

“I said keep up with you. And you deserve only the best. Don't settle for less ”

“Spencer," She started quietly. “Sometimes I think you actually mean these things.”

“I said what I mean and I meant what I said,” He replied just as quietly.

“So single Pringles?”

“Buy me Pringles it's the least you can do."

“Okay,” he laughed.

He carried her to the car their shadows fading as the walked.

“Let's a have a movie/drinking night?”

“You're gonna spend my money aren't you.”

She smiled cheekily. “Just a little ”