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

It was alarming how quickly his resolve melted when Matthias touched him. “I’ll go willingly, if you give me your word we’ll return to Steeplesands by dinner.”


As exciting as Nick found Matthias’ insistence, as much as he wanted to surrender to being the subject of his very own gothic novel, Nick knew that if he jeopardized Violet’s future for his own pleasure, he would carry that guilt forever. Regretfully but firmly, he shoved Matthias off him and stood up. Quickly, he opened the trap door. “Turn around at once,” he commanded the coachman.


Matthias was immediately on his feet as well. “Continue on,” he called.


Nick couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Couldn’t believe that Matthias truly thought he would actually allow himself to be dragged away in such a manner. He firmly ignored the salacious little voice in the back of his mind that speculated just how much he would enjoy being dragged off by Matthias. “Stop this coach immediately!”


Chapter 57