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

“She’s blackmailing you,” Ben pointed out.


“Oh…well, there is that…but she was so nice before that!” Stephen gave him bewildered sheepdog eyes. “I quite liked her, you know. And she was so good at charming people, at Foundation fundraisers…”


Of course she had been, Ben thought but did not say. Someone who would get close to a hapless ducal heir would absolutely be charming. Mentioning this would make Stephen feel worse, though


“Well,” Stephen finished, “she’s out of town at the moment—I know she is, because I heard from Wex—er, Tommy—”


“Thomas Allan, second son of the Marquess of Wexford,” Simon clarified for the person not familiar with thorny aristocratic English thickets of connection. “Bit dim, likes fashion, likes spending money. Don’t tell me Tommy slept with her too.”


Chapter 6