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

Ben remembered to inhale—he’d forgotten for a moment, watching his husband—and steadied his heart-rate. Being an anchor; being what Simon needed. The way Simon was, for him: someone to love, to care for, to protect—and to admire.


That brilliance. That generosity. That ability to know the ugliness of the world and still sit down to write happy endings. To make them happen for others.


He ordered, surprised by the catch in his voice, “Come for me, Simon, I love you,” and stroked the fingers just so and watched as Simon’s whole body coiled and tensed and shuddered into a drawn-out jerking release, staccato pulses of white spurting from his tip, coaxed out by Ben’s command and caresses, over and over.


Chapter 23