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

“We are leaving. Now. Is everything ready?”


Spencer jumped at his tone. “All done.”


“Come on. I need to look for someone.”


“I will explain on the way. Been a bit of a set to, and one of the footmen has been accused of stealing.” He let the words hang.


“Ah.” Spencer looked uncomfortable. “The pretty one you dallied with?”


David swallowed and nodded. “The Framling pearls.” He hesitated a moment and debated trying to get the stolen property back to the rooms to make it look as though they had simply been overlooked. He was furious with himself. Absolutely furious. He was better than this. His lack of care and foresight had cost Jeremy everything. After this, he would probably never work in service again. His gut clenched.


“What are you thinking?” Spencer’s tone was wary.


“Doubt you’d get near. They’re packing to go as well. Anyway, the pearls and the watch are ready to go in the coach now. We need to get them all locked away.”


Chapter 22