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

By the time they pulled into the closest town it was getting quite late. Jeremy’s stomach rumbled.


“Hungry?” David glanced at him. They hadn’t really spoken once Jeremy had agreed to go with him and they had set off. Jeremy didn’t know what to say.


“We had better feed you. You have a tendency to keel over.”


They pulled into the courtyard and David saw to the horses whilst Jeremy looked on.


“Come on, I will see if I can get us a room.”


“Yes, us. I think it best we stick together. That way, I can keep an eye on…things.”


“Well, just tell them I’m your servant. They might be able to set up a truckle bed in your room.”


David stopped and faced him. He gave him a long serious look. “You are not my servant.”


“Well, I know that, but we will have to pretend.”


Jeremy looked at him for a moment, surprised at the vehemence in his tone. He shook his head. “No other way.”


Chapter 25