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

“Well, at least it wasn’t a waltz.”


Nick took a large swallow of champagne to hide his reaction to Charlotte’s words. The idea of whirling around while pressed close to Deverell’s body was distracting, to say the least. The fact that Deverell was illegitimate only made him more like a character from a novel, and therefore all the more fascinating.


“Oh, good. The dance is ending. I hope he won’t try to engage her for another.”


“Thank you, Mr. Deverell.” Violet sank gracefully onto the empty chair.


“The pleasure was all mine, Miss Rexford.”


Charlotte snapped her fan open. “Lady Talbot asked us to tell you that she could be found in the card room.”


If Deverell noticed Charlotte’s icy tone, he gave no sign. “Thank you, Mrs. Audley, I should go to her. Miss Rexford,” he nodded to Violet. “Leighton.” It might have been Nick’s imagination, but it seemed Deverell’s gaze held his for longer than necessary—again.


Chapter 10