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 grinned to himself, he too had benefitted from Nick’s accommodation and willingness to please, had even benefitted in the very study where he had spent the last several days brooding. Ignoring the rest of the letters on the salver, Matthias rose and strode quickly toward his study. What could it hurt to dash off a letter to Leighton inviting him to another business meeting upon his return to London?22


Nick couldn’t help a rueful chuckle as he paced Steeplesands’ exquisite library. He shouldn’t be the one who was nervous. It was Beresford who had asked to have a private meeting with him, it was Beresford who ought to be nervous about receiving Nick’s approval. It was also Beresford who, by all accounts, had a solid fortune behind him. Ever since Beresford had made his request, Nick had been wavering whether to tell him about their situation or attempt gloss over Violet’s lack of dowry.


Chapter 64