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

“Stay where you are,” Standish shrieked, sweat trickling down the side of his face. But he had to move to keep an eye on Charnley, and as he did so, took his attention from Kingston. Jeremy caught a fleeting glance between Kingston and David. In a sudden move, whilst Standish was distracted, Kingston dropped to the floor, making Standish stagger, and a shot rang out. Jeremy held his breath and waited, but it was Standish who went oddly still with a bemused look on his face. As he wobbled, Jeremy saw a terrible black hole in his temple. Jeremy turned to David who was standing quite still, arm outstretched, holding a pistol straight and true. Smoke curled from the barrel. Jeremy looked back at Standish in time to see him crumple inelegantly to the floor and blood begin to pool beneath him in a deep, ugly stain.


They all stared for a moment, then Charnley moved to help Kingston up, and Jeremy ran to Jo’s side and hugged her before helping her to her feet.


Chapter 81