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

“My sweet boy.” Ben bent to kiss him. “How’re you feeling? Everything good, not too tight, nothing hurting?”


“No…I mean yes, it’s good, you’re so good at this…” Even Simon’s voice came out drowsy. Languor amid Oxford spires. Rainbows and slow lapping tides. A river of gold. “I feel marvelous.”


“Good.” Ben skimmed a finger over that aristocratic throat. “One more thing.”


He’d packed with this in mind, too: not a more formal or larger collar, but a slim flexible leather loop. Easy to carry; almost able to pass for a fashion accessory. Simon, he’d thought, might need the grounding of it.


He said, “Mine,” and held up thin black leather. “And I’ll take care of you. With you properly collared and knowing your place, sweet sub.”


“Oh please,” Simon breathed, “oh, please, sir, yes…”


Ben curled leather around his throat. Buckled it. Hooked a finger into the front ring and tugged. “All mine. No one else’s. Mine to keep safe, to take care of. And I’ll make you feel good.”


Chapter 10