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

“I take it you didn’t find the letter?”


“No. Nothing. Went through his safe and personal possessions but nothing.”


“Disappointing,” he said, and passed a brandy to David. “Can I get you something, my dear? Ratafia perhaps?” he said to Jo.


Charnley hesitated momentarily, and then glanced at David as if Jo’s word wasn’t enough. He stared back, so, with a small shrug Charnley poured her a small glass and handed it over.


“Jeremy has been moved to Newgate. The Press Yard.”


Charnley grimaced. “Then we need to move quickly. If they try him, it will be a matter of days before the punishment is exacted.”


“So, you need to give the evidence to Standish. Today.”


Charnley took a drink, clearly deep in thought. David wanted to scream but remained silent. Charnley nodded.


“But, we need Jeremy out of Newgate before he gets his hands on it.”


Charnley flicked him a glance and David’s temper began to fray. “Do not play me false in this, brother,” he said.


Chapter 64