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

Another thing Nick would never be able to do. Nick stifled another sigh. This was not the time to reflect unhappily on his lot in life. It was time to look forward to Violet’s promising future.


Charlotte, if she was attempting to look agreeable to the situation, was not very successful. “Have you thought anymore about your wedding trip?” she asked, ignoring the subject of Evanslow completely. “You said that Beresford mentioned a trip to Scotland or even Ireland?” Her wrinkled nose told what she thought of that subject as well.


“He’s read about it extensively and has said he would very much like to travel to the North Sea.” Seeing no encouragement from her older sister on the subject, Violet turned to Nick instead. “The coast sounds as though it would be much more exciting that Dover’s, with all the cliffs and rocks. I told Graham I would quite like to see it—and Ireland—although sailing on the North Sea does seem rather frightening.”


Chapter 69