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

David opened his mouth and closed it. He held out a hand to touch him, but Jeremy winced and moved.


“You’ve ruined everything. You’ve ruined me. I thought you understood. I thought I…” He stopped and rubbed his face. “I thought you were special.” The words were spoken so softly but they hit David with the force of a blow.


“Why didn’t you tell them it was me?”


Jeremy stared at him. “How could I do that to you?”


David was at a loss. “You could have saved yourself. Saved your job.”


Jeremy gave him an odd look. “Because I was stupid enough to care about you. I thought you were…I thought…” He shook his head and looked away. The cold wind ruffled his hair.


“What’s it got to do with you? Just leave me alone. Go back to the party.” He turned and picked up his case.


Chapter 24