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

“All wrapped up nicely by the courts, but it’s still killing people, and then encouraging the rest to look on and see it as some kind of sport.” Bill shook his head.


“I suppose it will all be in the paper tomorrow,” Jo said. “I wonder if they’ll notice Jeremy is gone?”


Jeremy glanced at Jo. “I’m sure they will.” He frowned. “They won’t put it in the paper, will they?”


They all looked at each other, slightly uncomfortable.


David shook his head. “Against a story about all those people dead and injured, I don’t think you would warrant a mention.”


Jeremy felt marginally relieved. They all finished their food in silence. Jo and David collected the plates and put them by the sink, and Bill Kendrick poured out some tea. They worked together as a team very well. It still amazed Jeremy when David did something like clear up.


Jo brought out some cake and they drank tea and ate it.


Chapter 73