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

Seeing the powerful thighs flexing under the snug-fitting buckskin, Nick despaired of ever being able to concentrate enough to properly learn about business dealings.


Lady Marling was not one to dawdle. By supper, it had been decided that they would journey to Dover the day after tomorrow if the weather held, there to spend the night. A servant had been sent to Dover to with a letter for Lady Lethbridge’s brother informing him of their visit and requesting arrangements be made at one of the best inns for their stay, and more servants had been set to packing for the trip.


Chapter 54