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

“Help yourself,” he said, nodding to the plate of macaroons.


Jeremy grinned shyly. “I’ve eaten too much already. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much in my life.”


“We could take tea in my study and eat them there?”


They settled into his study, sat in comfortable leather armchairs either side of the fire that burned brightly, and sipped tea. David would have preferred a good brandy, but Jeremy didn’t seem to indulge in alcohol much. He’d managed half a glass of wine with the meal, but that was all.


“You can have something stronger if you like,” David said, just to be sure.


Jeremy shook his head. “No, thank you. I don’t really like the way alcohol makes me feel.”


He thought for a moment. “Rather out of control. I get giddy and say things I wouldn’t normally say when I’ve been drinking and I’m afraid I will speak out of turn and give something away that I shouldn’t.”


Chapter 40