There is nothing Matthias Deverell, illegitimate son of a marquis, wants more than to remove the murmurs of treason that haunt his father’s name. He is determined to do just that, even if it means completing the nearly impossible task of reassembling the globe his father used as a safe. With pieces spread all over London, it will take all of Matthias’ considerable skill at intimidation to retrieve them. Nicholas Rexford, young Viscount Leighton, wants only to be able to provide a comfortable life for himself and his three sisters. After being left in near-poverty thanks to their father’s spending and gambling, Nick is desperate to find a business venture he can invest in to turn their fortunes around. Sadly, he has no head for business, preferring to spend his time engrossed in horrid novels. When Matthias finds Nick in possession of a piece of the globe, he believes the handsome young man to be in on the scheme, and decides to keep a closer eye on him. But when Nick meets Matthias, he is enthralled by the “dark and dangerous bastard” who could have stepped out of one of his novels. Despite his suspicions, Matthias is drawn to Nick, but will his suspicions destroy what is developing between them and cost Matthias a chance at happiness?

The Bastard's World

At Charlotte’s insistence, Nick had danced a few dances early in the evening with some young ladies of Lady Goring’s choosing, but he had taken care not to show particular interest in any of them. As the evening wore on and Charlotte’s attention became more and more focused on the splash Violet was making, Nick ignored the dancing in favor of introductions to other noblemen in the hope that after some research into each, he would learn who was the wealthiest and find a way to base his investments on theirs.


“I believe Lady Talbot is coming this way.” Charlotte’s voice drew his attention. “No doubt with yet another gentleman who wants to meet you, Violet. Like all the others.”


Chapter 9