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

“Well, in that case, perhaps we will take the footman off your hands.”


David moved to stand in front of Jeremy again and pointed at Charnley’s chest. “I’ve paid for the weekend. You can have him when I’ve done with him and not before. Find your own entertainment…brother.”


The words hung between them. Charnley’s face flamed and his arm shot out and gripped David by the throat. “Have a care, Albert.Have a care.”


David wrenched free and turned to open the door. “Gentlemen.” He gestured to the open space, and after a prolonged hesitation, Charnley and his cronies filed out of the house leaving David alone with Jeremy.15


Spencer came hurrying through the door to the servants’ hall closely followed by Mrs. Crawford.


“I’m so sorry. He wouldn’t leave. I sent Bentley to get a note to you but I’m presuming he didn’t make it?”


Chapter 46