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

“No doubt once he hears you’re attending, Beresford will find a way to be there as well,” Nick said, and watched Violet brighten immediately. Lucy, one the other hand, had her eyes firmly fixed on her plate and was gnawing unhappily on her bottom lip. “And while we’re arranging Violet’s busy schedule, see to it that Wednesday evening is free as well.”


Nick kept his eyes on Lucy as he answered. “We’ll be going to Vauxhall that day.”


She gave a squeal of delight and clapped her hands, crushing the toast she was holding. Laughing, she dropped the mangled bread on her plate and took up her napkin.


“Nicky—” Charlotte began, and Nick knew that tone.


Chapter 22