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

“I think,” Simon said, “we should talk about this in private, don’t you?” and waved a hand at the door.


Lisa’s mouth twitched again, but she nodded. They went back in, where Ben and Simon had just been collecting photographs and mocking her décor; Ben tried not to feel guilty about this. She was hurting Stephen, after all.


And she said, once the door had shut, “You were already here. Both of you. You found them. My photos.” She wasn’t, Ben judged, at all slow about assembling puzzle-pieces.


“Steve asked us to,” Simon said, still gentle. “Lisa—”


“And you did something.” She looked at Ben. “Whatever it is you do. I’ve heard some things, you know. Steve is a dear and loves to talk. I know it’s never been furniture sales, your job.”


“So now what?” She flung out arms; jewelry jangled. “You make me go away? You offer me money? Or something else? You ruin my life as revenge, is that it?”


Chapter 19