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

They assembled in the servants’ hall. The scullery maids, the parlour maids, the kitchen maids, the cook, the housekeeper—everyone stood silent as Mr. Fisher stood before them, face red, eyes glittering furiously.


A murmur went up from the staff. “What’s missing Mr. Fisher?” the housekeeper asked, hands folded tightly in front of her. “It might be useful to know what we are accused of stealing.”


Fisher sent her a poisonous look. “Pearls and a gold watch. We have ten minutes to get them back to the family or we are all dismissed.” He looked at each of them. “If the person responsible comes forward and gives me the goods, I will let them go. Without a reference, but I will not give them over to the authorities. It’s a hanging offence, so I’m offering your neck in exchange for the goods, and the opportunity to save everyone’s job.”


Chapter 20