The year is 1806. Bastard-born jewel thief David Lambert has few rules in his personal life. Never bed the staff, never more than once with the same man, and never, ever, kiss. Attending an aristocratic party and relieving some of the wealthy of their possessions should be easy, but in the space of a weekend, one by one all his rules are shattered by a footman with a secret.<br><br>Jeremy Naylor thought he had found the man of his dreams, the one man who might understand him. Someone passionate, handsome, and respectable. But in one shocking moment his world is destroyed, and he is forced to run for his life.<br><br>Flung together to escape the hangman’s noose, the passion between David and Jeremy burns fiercely. But Jeremy yearns for respectability, and David refuses to admit what lies in his heart. Will they find a way together, or will their differences lead them to the very brink of disaster and the shadow of the gallows?

Thief of Hearts

More than anything, he wanted to take off his wig and uniform. The white wigs he had to wear as a footman were heavy, smelly, and unbearably itchy. He hated it. His feet were killing him, and his back ached from lugging all the heavy plates and serving platters miles to the dining room. On top of that, having to stand straight and silent as a statue for the entire evening, was nigh on torture. He scratched at his chest where his shirt was rough against his skin, and then slid one finger beneath the wig and scratched again. He was unspeakably grateful to his brother for securing him such a respectable job with a high-ranking family, so tried not to think about it too much.


Chapter 3