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

“Go back to bed. We can talk later.”


“No. I want to talk now.” Jeremy’s chin went up, his face taking on a mulish cast he hadn’t seen since their fight outside the Fallows place.


David ground his teeth and tried to hold onto his composure. “There is nothing to talk about.”


“There is everything to talk about. You saw me at my most exposed and you held me and loved me. I’ve seen you at your most exposed and I held you and loved you. Don’t tell me this is nothing. What we have between us is special and I am not afraid to admit it even if you are.”


“Jeremy. Stop dramatising.” David kept his voice even, but he was surprised when Jeremy stepped back, dropped his gaze, and bowed slightly.


“Of course. I’ll leave you to dress.” He walked out without another word, leaving David staring at the space he had occupied and wishing he had stayed to fight.16


Chapter 49