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

“My dear Mr. Lambert. What a positively glorious evening, wouldn’t you agree?” she said, fanning herself. She looked up at Standish with interest. “I don’t think I’ve been introduced to your friend?” She looked at him to rectify the matter. David made the introductions and allowed her to take over the conversation. Standish was as charming and witty as he was handsome, so he remained quiet and at an opportune moment, excused himself.


He spent the rest of the evening circulating and avoiding Standish, but in doing so, damned well bumped into Charnley.


“We need to speak,” Charnley said as he stood beside him, watching the dancing. David gritted his teeth. It was time he retired. Being hunted was not a feeling he enjoyed.


“This is hardly the time or the place,” David said with a pleasant smile.


“Well, meet me somewhere. Anywhere.”


David didn’t like the edge in Charnley’s voice. “When we get back to London.”


“Lambert, this is serious. I need to speak to you.”


Chapter 14