Thick as Thieves — Catherine Gayle

David Hounslow, the Marquess of Preston, will not stand aside while those he loves are hurt. Preston determines his brother-in-law's guest is up to no good, so he scrutinizes every move of the would-be thief. Not that he minds -- Lady Frederica is as beautiful and intelligent as she is enigmatic. Considering her wastrel brother and her proclivity for the less-than-savory, Preston never expected to be won over to the lady's charms. Yet she just might steal his heart.

Desperation has become Lady Frederica Bexley-Smythe's constant companion due to her brother's affinity for gambling. With the fate of her family resting upon her shoulders, the time has arrived for Freddie to bend the rules. How else can she secure their future? Unfortunately, Lord Preston's scrutiny complicates her task. Far more perplexing than his perusal is his caring nature, which is more than merely a distraction. But desperate times call for desperate measures…

***This novella of approximately 25,000 words was originally published in the anthology A Pact Between Gentlemen.***