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

“Try it,” he snarled, and walked out of the room, slamming the door as he went.


He walked for a long time. He needed to regain his composure. It was late in the afternoon before he mounted the steps of the townhouse and let himself in. Mrs. Crawford appeared, wiping her hands on her apron. She bobbed a curtsey.


“Afternoon. Will you be wanting tea?”


She looked at him for a long moment. “In the library.”


David surrendered his coat and headed towards the door. He paused, and then went in. Jeremy was sat on the floor by the roaring fire, cross legged, no shoes or stockings, sewing. A beautiful violet garment lay across his lap. He looked up when the door opened. Usually when Jeremy greeted him it was with smile that would melt ice. Unselfconscious, full bodied, and glorious to behold. Today, his eyes were wary, and his smile restrained.


Chapter 51