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

Jeremy sighed and turned, then burrowed into his chest. David stroked his head. He needed to learn a trade. Needed to be able to take care of himself. Tailoring would be a good option. It was something he could set up easily and then his conscience would be salved, and he could get on with his life.


Jeremy fidgeted, and then pushed back, blinking sleepily.


“Morning,” David murmured as Jeremy peeled open his eyes and went still.


He swallowed and edged away. “Morning. Sorry, was I squashing you?”


Desire flooded David, surprising him with its intensity. He recalled the kisses they had shared and the feelings they evoked surprised him even more. He hated kissing. Hated it with a passion, but with Jeremy…He sighed.


“What?” Jeremy shifted so that he could look at him.


Chapter 34