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 madam, please accept my most humble apologies at the intrusion. I…”


The young woman stood. She was tall. Very tall. Slender. Wearing a silk and lace gown of dark blue which darkened her eyes. Eyes filled with a mixture of naked anguish and shame. Violet blue eyes. Violet eyes.


They stared at each other. Eyes wide. Unblinking.


David opened his mouth to speak but shut it. Jeremy looked…His heart pounded. He was instantly, fiercely aroused. It took him by surprise. Utterly by surprise and need gripped him. Hard. He wanted him. He wanted to go over and take him in his arms, lift the silk and lace creation, and fuck him. Hard. He was…beautiful.


Jeremy held out a hand for a moment and then let it drop. In the dress, without his customary cravat and with his hair out of the way, his neck was long and pale.


“I’m sorry.” His voice was barely a whisper.


“You…like dressing this way?” David’s voice wasn’t much better.


Chapter 17