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

Matthias’ only response was to raise his eyebrows.


Looking around again, Nick felt his heart sink. The only place with any privacy was the garden and he had no intention of going back out there. When Matthias took his arm and steered him through the crush toward the card room, Nick went, albeit reluctantly. “If you are going to suggest a conversation over a hand of cards, I’m afraid that’s quite impossible.”


“I am going to suggest we have our conversation while everyone else is engrossed in their play,” Matthias replied, positioning them in a dim corner far enough away from the tables that they could not be heard, and also allowed them to easily see anyone approaching.


Nick glanced around them, and, satisfied that they had enough privacy, kept his voice low. “I was wondering how much you know of the Earls of Marling and the family.”


Chapter 47