Catherine Archer - Velvet Touch

Cover Page

Excerpt Stephen felt a sudden rush of desire that could not be stilled. And he made no effort to try. Reaching up his arms, he pulled Fellis from the horse. With torturous deliberation he allowed her to slide slowly down the length of him, his hands molding the gentle swell of her hips. Heat rose in his belly, and he closed his eyes, breathing in the sweet, warm woman scent of her. She was a heady mixture of innocence and spirit, and he felt drawn to her as no maid before her. When he opened his eyes again, Fellis was looking up at him, her own lids heavy, her breath coming quickly through parted lips. Suddenly, he knew he was going to kiss her—had to kiss her…

Dear Reader Dear Reader, Since the release of her first Medieval, Rose Among Thorns, Catherine Archer has been gaining fans, and her new book, Velvet Touch, is sure to win her more. This sequel to her previous title, Velvet Bond, is the bittersweet story of a young nobleman who is sent by his king to arrange a marriage and settle a feud, only to fall in love with the intended bride. Whether you’re a Medieval fan or not, don’t miss this touching read. Three-time RITA Award winner Cheryl Reavis is back this month with her heart-wrenching tale, The Bartered Bride. Set in Civil War North Carolina, it’s the story of a pregnant woman who reluctantly marries her sister’s widower, yet soon discovers the healing powers of forgiveness and love. Multigenre author Merline Lovelace makes history come alive in her new release, Lady of the Upper Kingdom, the dramatic story of forbidden love between two strongwilled people separated by the treachery and distrust that exists between their two cultures, the Egyptian and the Greek. And from popular new author Linda Castle we bring you Abbie’s Child, about a young woman who comes face-to-face with the father of the boy she has raised as her own. Whatever your taste in reading, we hope you will enjoy all four Harlequin Historicals, available wherever books are sold. Sincerely, Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor Please address questions and book requests to: Harlequin Reader Service U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269 Canadian: P O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

Title Page Velvet Touch Catherine Archer www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author CATHERINE ARCHER has been hooked on historical romance since reading Jane Eyre at the age of twelve. She has an avid interest in history, particularly the medieval period. A homemaker and mother, Catherine lives with her husband, three children and dog in Alberta, Canada, where the long winters give this American transplant plenty of time to write.

Dedication This book is dedicated to The Aunts, who each had a profound impact on my life, Aunt Judy, Aunt Martha, Aunt Pat and Aunt Susan. I hope you can all appreciate why it was necessary to put you in alphabetical order. I must also give sincere and heartfelt thanks to our friends, the DeGuilios, Sam, Sandi, Ernie, Taylor and Zachary, for everything.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Copyright

And he made no effort to try. Reaching up his arms, he pulled Fellis from the horse. With torturous deliberation he allowed her to slide slowly down the length of him, his hands molding the gentle swell of her hips. Heat rose in his belly, and he closed his eyes, breathing in the sweet, warm woman scent of her.

She was a heady mixture of innocence and spirit, and he felt drawn to her as no maid before her.

When he opened his eyes again, Fellis was looking up at him, her own lids heavy, her breath coming quickly through parted lips.

Suddenly, he knew he was going to kiss her—had to kiss her…

Dear Reader,

Since the release of her first Medieval, Rose Among Thorns, Catherine Archer has been gaining fans, and her new book, Velvet Touch, is sure to win her more. This sequel to her previous title, Velvet Bond, is the bittersweet story of a young nobleman who is sent by his king to arrange a marriage and settle a feud, only to fall in love with the intended bride. Whether you’re a Medieval fan or not, don’t miss this touching read.

Three-time RITA Award winner Cheryl Reavis is back this month with her heart-wrenching tale, The Bartered Bride. Set in Civil War North Carolina, it’s the story of a pregnant woman who reluctantly marries her sister’s widower, yet soon discovers the healing powers of forgiveness and love.

Multigenre author Merline Lovelace makes history come alive in her new release, Lady of the Upper Kingdom, the dramatic story of forbidden love between two strongwilled people separated by the treachery and distrust that exists between their two cultures, the Egyptian and the Greek. And from popular new author Linda Castle we bring you Abbie’s Child, about a young woman who comes face-to-face with the father of the boy she has raised as her own.

Whatever your taste in reading, we hope you will enjoy all four Harlequin Historicals, available wherever books are sold.

Sincerely,

Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor

Please address questions and book requests to:

Harlequin Reader Service

U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269

Canadian: P O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

www.millsandboon.co.uk

has been hooked on historical romance since reading Jane Eyre at the age of twelve. She has an avid interest in history, particularly the medieval period. A homemaker and mother, Catherine lives with her husband, three children and dog in Alberta, Canada, where the long winters give this American transplant plenty of time to write.

This book is dedicated to The Aunts, who each had a

profound impact on my life, Aunt Judy, Aunt Martha,

Aunt Pat and Aunt Susan. I hope you can all

appreciate why it was necessary to put you in

alphabetical order.

I must also give sincere and heartfelt thanks to our

friends, the DeGuilios, Sam, Sandi, Ernie, Taylor and

Zachary, for everything.

Stephen Clayburn shifted in the saddle to ease his stiff muscles. With his free hand he drew his cloak more closely about his wide shoulders, taking a deep breath of the cool morning air. Its early spring chill served to waken him more fully and he prodded his stallion to a slightly faster pace.

The knight had slept in the outdoors under the stars rather than spend time locating another abbey the previous night, for he was much tired of the gruel that passed for sustenance with the religious sector. He had even wondered to himself if the orders served guests such gruesome meals in an effort to discourage them from returning.

His chestnut stallion, Gabriel, seemed to sense his master’s thoughts, for he snorted and tossed his head. “A little skimpy on the oats, were they, boy?” Stephen laughed and patted the sleek animal’s muscular neck with a gauntleted hand. He’d left his other mount, Dancer, in the stables of his home in Windsor, preferring to ride the chestnut on longer trips such as this.