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

There was nothing left to sell. Evanslow wasn’t in an especially desired location, so he hadn’t been able to rent it or any of the buildings on his land. His only tenants were farmers, and they wouldn’t have any funds until the crops improved. Even if he did learn about investments from Matthias, after releasing Violet’s skimpy dowry, he would have nothing left to invest. There was the possibility that if they returned to the country immediately, he might be able to rent their London house for the rest of the Season. That would at least provide something


Charlotte, Nick knew, would be furious if he suggested retiring to the country, especially if it happened before Violet had a proposal. Violet would be devastated. The only person who would be glad to return to Evanslow was Lucy, as Nick no longer had any desire to leave London or escape the presence of the dark and dangerous Deverell bastard.


Chapter 41