Robert Thorne would prefer not to get married. He enjoys his life: a viscount's younger brother, a lighthearted rake, fond of men and women and sensational novels. Unfortunately, tonight's ball is intended to celebrate his engagement. And his intended husband comes with a fortune, enough to repair the Thorne family's failing finances and secure their future. But they've barely spoken two words to each other, and the young man's very shy and very innocent -- someone Robert's brother's chosen for him, not the person Robert wants. But the person Robert wants is exactly the person he shouldn't: Anthony, his secretary. Anthony's the best and most organized part of Robert's life -- and off-limits, because Anthony's employed by the family to keep an eye on him ... Anthony Price has two secrets. Everyone knows that his family used to be wealthy, and that Anthony's needed to find employment to support himself and his mother and sister. But no one knows that he has another life -- and growing success as an author of lurid novels, written under a pen name. And no one knows that he's hopelessly in love with Robert Thorne, who is engaged to another man. Anthony will do anything to ensure Robert's happiness -- but when the engagement ball ends in disaster, secrets are revealed, hearts are exposed, and everything can change ... on one night in London.

One Night in London: Robert and Anthony

They all looked rather alike, pale and brown-haired and trying hard to belong. Robert searched for his intended. Nearly missed the young man, who seemed to be attempting to hide behind his parents. Not a good start.


He held out a hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Mr. Irving.”


Mr. Dalton Irving gazed at the hand, and got even more speechless. He was pretty, inarguably so: delicate and attractive, with dark softly tumbled hair and big honey-brown eyes. Long eyelashes trembled at Robert like a fawn trapped in a hunter’s sights.


“I promise,” Robert attempted jovially, “I don’t bite. Unless you’d like that sort of thing.”


Mr. Irving’s eyes got even wider. Robert hadn’t thought that’d be possible.


Chapter 5