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

The ride back to Great Titchfield Street was made in silence. The entirety of the situation was catching up with Nick and exhaustion was creeping up on him. Beresford spoke little, but there was a new respect in his tone when he did. Nick wasn’t sure if that was his imagination, just as he wasn’t certain that Salty actually bowed a bit lower when he met them at the door.


The even greater surprise for Nick was to see Marling standing behind Salty. “Excellent work, Leighton. After routing that blaguard, no one will dare insult anyone of your association from now on, will they?”


Was he talking about Matthias? It might have all been worth it if it meant people would think twice before gossiping about him or Matthias. He was about to ask Marling how it was that he already knew the results of the duel when he was suddenly enveloped in several sets of arms.


“Oh, Nicky.” Charlotte was kissing his hair. “Thank God, thank God.”


Chapter 77