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

He put the matter to one side and made a mental note to take them from the secret pocket in his coat and put them into the safe. Tonight, he would take Jeremy to the theatre. Jo Crawford had dropped a hint that, given his passion for clothing, colours, and fabrics, a visit might be just the thing.


A tap at the door caught his attention.


Beth, the parlour maid, popped her head around the door, and bobbed a curtsey that he could only half see. “Parcel arrived, sir.”


“Mr. Naylor’s room if you please. Hang it for me, would you?”


“Yes sir.” She bobbed again and scurried away.


Moments later Jeremy burst into the room, broad smile on his face. “You’re home!” He closed the door behind him and then kissed him on the cheek. “Good day?” Jeremy took the almost empty brandy glass from him and refilled it.


David couldn’t stop the soft ache in his chest at being so greeted. “Very good. You?”


Chapter 43