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

“Right. He said to rub it gently onto the bruising.” He sat on the bed, his hips beside Jeremy’s and started with the bruises across his back. The salve was cold, but David’s fingers were incredibly gentle. Jeremy closed his eyes at the sensation. It felt so good, it made him feel lightheaded. He lay perfectly still whilst David smoothed his fingers over almost all his back, working his way down. When he got to the top of his buttocks he hesitated.


Jeremy’s assent was muffled but unmistakable.


“Mmm hmmph.” It was all he could manage.


There was a pause, and every part of Jeremy’s body tingled in anticipation. David spread the salve gently over his buttocks and Jeremy stifled a moan as he squirmed beneath his touch.


Chapter 33