Under My Skin - A Spencer Reid Fanfiction.

Chapter 7: Undercover

TW: Cult mentions, sexual manipulation mentions

Song for this chapter: The Walls - Chase Atlantic 🎵

"Fuck it, 

I might take a little more now,"

📖

I never thought I'd find myself in a relationship with Spencer Reid.

Even if it was just a charade for an undercover operation.

But here I stood, in the bustling bar surrounded by laughter and clinking glasses. This wasn't just any bar—it was an exclusive bar which hosted parties every Friday evening for the most accomplished business folk— the scene of our first infiltration of the cult.

Finally.

We had worked tirelessly to get here, designing the perfect ruse to go covert, completely undetected. And well— this involved Reid and I to fake a romance. Why you ask?

Elysium thrived on the belief that the bond between two people held a unique kind of power— something they could manipulate, control and ultimately break to suit their agenda. Young, promising couples who were looking to do anything to climb social ranks frequented this bar and were prime targets, their success and influence making them ripe for manipulation.

Not only that, but it was about using love as a weapon. Sexual manipulation became one of their most handy tools, luring couples in under the guise of success and exclusivity...making them feel special.

This sick obsession with control made them hunt for the brightest, most connected pairs— like us.

I took a glance around the room once again, analysing all the details— a very prominent contrast from the bars I would've chosen to attend. The dim, intimate lighting, the low hum of sophisticated chatter, the expensive wine and cocktails on offer— all of it screamed 'privilege.'

I watched as Reid fidgeted with his tie, a mix of annoyance and discomfort on his face, the way his nose would scrunch every so often was a telltale sign. I knew he wasn't used to this kind of environment, and frankly neither was I believe it or not.

I took a deep breath, readying myself. "We need to sell this, Reid," I muttered under my breath, the name falling from my lips without a second thought. It was easier to keep him at arm's length like this— to stay detached, even when I could feel the warmth of his body next to mine so closely. The moment it slipped my tongue, I saw it— the brief flicker of disappointment in his eyes. His face remained neutral, but the way his jaw clenched told me all I needed to know.

The intimacy of calling him "Spencer" has felt like crossing a line we both didn't know how to deal with— and now, using "Reid" was like I had taken a step back. It was safer that way...surely?

Slipping me away from my train of thought, Reid leaned closer to me, his breath warm against my ear as his low voice cut through the ambient noise of the bar. "Is it okay if I touch you?" His question was soft, measured but behind the exterior, I could sense his nerves— the same ones swirling in the pit of my stomach.

My body was already responding to his presence, to the closeness between us like it was natural. I nodded, feeling the gravity of the moment sink in. "Yeah, it's okay."

His hand settled gently on my lower back, the heat of his touch spreading throughout the thin fabric of my dress. It was subtle, barely noticeable to anyone watching, but the gesture wasn't just for display— it grounded me in the moment of chaos— hell, both of us. His fingers splayed out a little, steady, hesitant and gentle— like he was cautious of every move he made.