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

Moving slowly and carefully, Nick eased himself free of Matthias’ limbs and got off the bed. Matthias shifted, but didn’t wake. The candle had burned low, but there was enough light for Nick to find his trousers and boots. He had just located his shirt when it occurred to him that he couldn’t simply leave Matthias’ house like a thief in the night; he had to leave word of somekind.


Casting about the room, Nick saw a handsome writing table, but it was closed and Nick wasn’t about to go rummaging through it for pen, quill, and ink. There was nothing for it, then. Nick pulled his trousers on, then moved to Matthias’ side of the bed. So many people looked younger or even angelic when they slept, but certainly not Matthias, Nick decided. The stern, stark features were softer and more relaxed, but it seemed to Nick there was still an aura of danger around him.


“Matthias,” he said quietly, enjoying the feel of the man’s Christian name on his tongue. He shook one of the shoulders gently.


Chapter 29