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 will be arriving back in civilisation before too long. My vote is we stop for a spot of luncheon and rest the horses. And your arse.”


Jeremy looked over at him. Startled. “Actually, I need to go rather badly.”


David relaxed, fractionally. They were passing woodland, so he pulled the carriage off the main highway, and drew to a stop. He jumped down and tethered the horses and watched Jeremy climb down carefully. He yawned and stretched to work out the kinks in his back before heading for the trees. David rummaged in a bag in the back of the carriage and came up with a couple of apples for the horses, and then headed off to the trees to relieve himself, too. They convened back at the carriage and stood awkwardly for a moment. Jeremy’s arms were clutched about his midriff, and he still looked pale and tense.


“Are you in pain?” David asked, going to stand closer to him.


Chapter 31