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

“Surely you don’t mean to say we are spending the nexttwo days at Candlewood Abbey.”


“Of course,” Matthias sounded irritated. “What did you think I intended?”


“We have to be back at Steeplesands by dinner.” Nick couldn’t believe he had to state something so obvious. “By nightfall at the latest.”


Nick found it highly irritating that the man could be so appealing even when he was being smug. Still, Matthias’ absolute certainty gave him some hope. “You’ve made all the arrangements, then?” He tried to laugh off any other worries, even as he evaded those insistent, wonderful hands. “Dare I ask what excuse you made to Lady Marling?”


Matthias let out a frustrated grunt, as if finally realizing that Nick was not about to let the subject drop. “I left word with the footman that we were at Candlewood Abbey.”


Chapter 56