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

“They are not tailored exactly to fit, but they should do. You should really wait until we have eaten before you put it on.” He handed Jeremy his vibrant robe and helped him into it. Jeremy wrapped it around himself and slid into David’s arms. They held each other. David ran a hand down Jeremy’s back and then let him go.


“We have some time before dinner,” Jeremy whispered.


David forgot about his objections, about his need to create some distance between them, and claimed Jeremy’s mouth.14


The Sans Pareil theatre was unlike anything Jeremy had experienced in his life. He held up his head and walked at David’s side.


“It only opened at the end of last year,” David said as they walked towards the door. He hesitated. “It’s very small. No balcony or anything like that. I hope you won’t be disappointed.”


“Are you serious?” Jeremy said. “Disappointed? How on earth could I ever be disappointed?”


David was frowning. “Well, it’s hardly Drury Lane. Perhaps we should have gone there.”


Chapter 44