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

Charnley gestured for him to be seated and then he took the chair opposite him. They flanked the splendid fireplace in which a fire roared comfortably. David sat, although he wanted to demand to know what happened. He had been planning on meeting Standish to make the exchange. The false document for the letter and for Jeremy. Was Jeremy somewhere in the house?


“I know. What did he say? Is Jeremy free?”


Charnley looked guilty. Bastard. “What have you done?” David demanded, holding on to the last threads of his temper.


“He exchanged the letter for the documents but refused to free Naylor.”


David’s heart thudded steadily in his throat. He swallowed. “What?”


Charnley shook his head. “I tried everything. You have my word, but he was unmoving.”


Charnley took a letter from his pocket and turned it over in his hands. “I’m so sorry, but don’t despair, we will get him out. I give you my word. My word as a gentleman and your brother.”


Chapter 66