Lady Drusilla Beauchamp, only daughter of the Duke of Devonworth, is known throughout the ton for two things-her enormous dowry and her parrot, Pudding, who once told the Archbishop of London to kiss his arse. Between her father's disappointment in her as his only child and her cousin, Huntley, her father's heir's efforts to marry her, Pudding is the only creature she trusts. Which is why when her darling bird is stolen, she goes so far as to hire a ruthless Seven Dials ruffian with a reputation for finding lost pets to bring dear Pudding home. Achilles Thorne grew up on the streets of Seven Dials. Forced to fight in child fighting rings, he finally escaped his cruel master, and learned to beg and steal to survive. Once he discovers the profit in returning lost pets to the wealthy residents of Mayfair, he uses his uncanny ability with animals to create a profitable business for himself. The fact he is often the one who steals the pets in the first place is merely part of the game. When a mysterious gentleman pays Achilles to steal Lady Drusilla Beauchamp's parrot, Achilles has no idea the trouble that will follow. Pudding has witnessed a horrible crime, and the clever, foul-mouthed bird won't stop talking about it. Once her beloved pet is returned to her, Drusilla demands the arrogant, handsome thief who took him join her in the quest to unravel Pudding's disturbing ramblings. Passions flare as Achilles strives to save Drusilla from a murderer before the duke's curvy, sharp-tongued daughter steals his thieving heart.