Retired secret agent Ben Smith will do anything for his husband. So when Simon's brother calls from London to say he's being blackmailed, Ben and Simon pack up and head to the glittering world of English aristocratic younger sons and parties and incriminating photographs. The mission itself isn't complicated -- but it's a reminder of the past, even as Ben's been trying to move on.<br><br>Simon Ashley adores his husband, and loathes most of his family ... except for the older brother who once gave him a home. He's here because Stephen needs help, but being back in the family house stirs up too many memories, none of them pleasant.<br><br>In London, Ben and Simon will confront a blackmailer, face the past, and find comfort in each other ... with some leather and tea, of course.

Leather and Tea in London

Stephen exhaled. Those rugby player’s shoulders slumped, as he peeled off his jacket, pushed up sleeves, scrubbed a hand over his face. “I told you I had a problem. I do.”


“A problem that we could help with,” Ben said.


“Yes.” Steve went over to the bar, got out glasses. “Scotch. Definitely scotch. This one’s from the distillery we own part of, up near Glen Cor. Aged twenty years; see what you think.”


Ben accepted scotch. Felt mellow honeyed heat bloom across taste-buds, and linger deep inside. “Lovely.”


“It is.” Stephen stared at his own glass, then made it a double. Then came over and sat down heavily in a big overstuffed chair, handing Simon the third glass along the way. Simon and Ben trailed after, and took the sofa.


“You said—” Simon went to lean forward, moved a knee with too much enthusiasm, and hit the coffee table. Ben steadied it, and silently apologized. It’d have to get used to that, over the next four days. “—ouch. Thank you. Love you. Steve, you said blackmail.”


Chapter 5