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

“Afraid it’s not much, but it might see you on.”


“Not much?” Jeremy croaked. “It’s…you shouldn’t have…I…I can’t…” He was babbling


David picked up a piece of the bread, spread it thinly with mustard, and layered the slices of beef on. He topped it with another slice of bread and handed it to him. Jeremy took it gingerly and hesitated. David nodded, so he took a huge bite. It was astounding. The bread was soft and fresh and the smell of it in his nose was breath taking. The beef, meltingly tender and rare, made his eyes close as the mustard tickled the back of his nose. He chewed and groaned, savouring every morsel, whilst David poured two cups of tea. He looked at him as he took another bite, and then let his eyes close. When he opened them, it was to find David Lambert staring at him with an odd, intense expression. He closed them again and carried on eating.


Once the bread and meat were finished, they sat sipping tea and eating macaroons on the bed


Chapter 6