All the Honorable St. John Ashford ever wanted was his father’s love, but if he can’t have that, he’ll settle for being noticed. In an effort to do that, St. John sets his sights on Andrew Dorincourt, a man for whom the Viscount has nothing but disdain. Surely this will draw his father’s attention?  Unfortunately, while Andrew seems willing to date him, he appears entirely disinterested in anything else. St. John knows it’s just a matter of time before all his plans going up in smoke, especially when Andrew becomes attracted to an exotic young man he rescued from Malossini’s House of Oddities.<br><br>Robin Dorincourt is something of a playboy who enjoys nothing so much as flitting from one boyfriend to another. He doesn’t poach, though, and when he finds himself attracted to St. John Ashford, he does what he can to keep a healthy distance between them, using taunts and teasing. It’s difficult, until he realizes his brother is in love with someone else. Robin’s path toward St. John is clear, and he makes his move.<br><br>But is his path as clear as he imagines? St. John might be as attracted to Robin as Robin is to him, but he’ll be damned if he allows himself to be passed from one brother to the other as if he’s nothing more than a poor second choice. Now it remains is for Robin to persuade St. John he’s no one’s second choice.

More, by All Mores

“Sure you are. At least as long as you don’t ruin it by pouting and acting like a spoiled little boy. You can be a pain in the arse at times.” He grinned.


Why had I even tried? I folded my lips together. I would not permit myself to snap, “Bugger it.” I would not permit myself to slam the frying pan down and storm out of the kitchen, leaving the omelette to burn. For a moment, I savoured the notion of the stunned silence that would no doubt be left behind in my wake.


I did nothing of the sort, however. Ashfords never swore. Ashfords never lost their temper. Ashfords never—


My father did not believe I was an Ashford. He believed my mother played him false, had had a passionate affair with…with someone else. Someone whose genes reinforced Mama’s chestnut hair and green eyes.


I went to a cupboard, removed a plate, and put it to the back of the cooker to warm, then carefully folded the omelette. Two slices of bread went into the toaster, and I pushed down the lever.


Chapter 9