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. He’d listened to the discussions in Sir Granville’s house. He barely saw them as people. It was easy to push it to the back of one’s mind. But now, standing here with David…


“Horrible. So, you support the abolitionists?”


A thought struck Jeremy. “With money?”


David shrugged. Jeremy shook his head. This was all getting complicated. It was easier when everyone knew their position.


“All I wanted was to be respectable and make my brother proud. I know it’s only the surface, because underneath it all I know I’m far from respectable. I’m…” He shrugged.


“Being in service is respectable.” David pursed his lips. “I don’t mean to disparage you, but in my view, people should have choices about what they do, and be paid a fair wage. Wouldn’t you rather do something other than be trussed up in a footman’s uniform opening doors for bored aristocrats?”


Chapter 39