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

“I should go.” Jeremy stood, uncomfortably naked.


Jeremy looked down at himself and managed a laugh, thankful for the diversion. “I should. I’ll shock the parlour maids.” He looked at David and willed him to smile, invite him into the bed. To snuggle up, keep warm, cuddle a little.


Jeremy turned his back, so David wouldn’t see his disappointment. He pulled his nightshirt on quickly and wrapped his blanket around his shoulders and headed back to the coldness of his room.4


Chapter 11