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

He didn’t get the chance for so much as a glance at Matthias’ butler or the pistols as Matthias practically dragged him upstairs to his bed chamber. The only light was the fire in dying in the grate, but they didn’t need any as they wrestled one another free of clothing. Their last time together had been before the house party, which itself seemed like months ago. There was no need for anything but the touch of their hands as they thrust and pushed and panted to completion.


Nick lay trying to catch his breath when Matthias’ voice came through the darkness. “You will not duel Esmond.”


“I missed you as well,” Nick replied dryly.


With a sigh that was more of a growl Matthias sat up and Nick heard him fumbling at the nightstand. There was the scratch of a match, then a candle flared to life. Then he sat on the bed to finish removing what remained of his clothing. “Beresford will do it quite happily. He seems more than ready to put his life on the line for his lady love.”


Chapter 74