Slander by Avery Ford

Benedict d’Arcy has never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from, or whether he’d have enough to purchase the season’s latest fashions. Growing up in the prestigious d’Arcy family meant comfort, stability, and a certain amount of lavish opulence. But when his beloved father dies, leaving his stepmother in charge of the family’s assets, Benedict is demoted from shining star to suspicious freeloader.

Kota’s parents have always been wealthy, too, but Kota chose another path in life – becoming a police officer. He’s comfortable in his small home, knowing that he’s benefiting his community and making a difference in the world. He’s a simple man, with simple pleasures, and the only thing that’s missing from his life is a committed partnership with someone he loves.
When Benedict’s suspicions about his stepmother’s involvement in his father’s death begin to grow and manifest, he decides that it’s time for him to leave the family home – at least until he has concrete proof against his stepmother. But he mistimes his efforts, and something goes wrong – he’s being followed. When he stumbles into the next county’s annual Policeman’s Ball, he doesn’t expect for a man with kind eyes and gentle hands to help him to his feet and claim that they’re together. He doesn’t expect an immediate show of trust and willingness to get to the bottom of his situation.

And he sure as hell doesn’t expect their one night of pretending to be in a relationship to lead to something more – something authentic.

Slander is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is set in the same world as Scars.