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

On the other hand, it was wise of him to keep an eye on the two other men he knew had an interest in the pieces of the globe. At least one of them would likely be present tonight. Matthias’ gaze landed on a pretty figure with golden curls gliding across the dance floor and felt a spike of interest that had nothing to do with his mission. If Miss Rexford was in attendance, then her brother undoubtedly was as well.


He let his gaze wander over the room but saw no sign of Nick. He considered checking the card room, but quickly abandoned the notion. He’d never seen Nick show the slightest interest in cards and sitting down to a hand wouldn’t allow the viscount to check in with his sisters as often as he was wont to do. If he wasn’t in the ballroom, that only left the supper room or the garden. Matthias knew the simplest solution would be to station himself on the side of the room where Mrs. Audley was seated and where Nick was sure to return eventually.


Chapter 46