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

“So,” Simon said. “Hold me, and…and tell me you love me again…and in the morning we’ll rescue my brother from embarrassing personal blackmail?”


“Sounds like a plan.” They settled back into bed. Ben rescued the sheet and blanket from the heaps Simon had kicked them into, and kept his husband warm. Whispered, “I love you, you make me want to be your hero, you make me believe in heroes again, every day,” as Simon fell asleep again, entwined in his arms.


The collar he’d brought smiled in a curl of black leather from the nightstand, flexible and pleased. That meant home too; and Ben smiled back, and shut his eyes.3


The morning dawned clear and opalescent and chilly: the crisp pale jewel of upscale London sprawled out under clouds in grey and brick, twinkles of color in traffic lights and shopping-bags, scarves and sweaters. Ben always had liked cool weather; he liked the bite of a deep breath, the bracing clarity of being present and real and alive.


Chapter 15