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

What in God’s name had possessed Matthias to make such an offer? It was not only insulting, it was absurd. Trying to explain it away by saying the offer was for Lucy’s gift, even more so. Did Matthias think he needed to pay for his pleasure with Nick?


The thought was so startling that Nick missed a stride and almost stumbled. DidMatthias think he needed to pay for his pleasure with Nick? Initially, Nick thought the offer was meant to be some sort of insult in retaliation for what happened in the coach, but what if Matthias truly believed he was better off keeping their entire relationship as a “business” one?


Chapter 68