“With elegance and intelligence, Ms. Hunter consolidates her position as one of the best new voices in romance fiction. I’m waiting on tenterhooks to see what is in store for readers in her next book, By Design.” —The Romance Journal

BY ARRANGEMENT

“Debut author Hunter begins this new series with a thoroughly satisfying launch that leaves the reader eager for the next episode in the lives of her engaging characters.” —Publishers Weekly

“Romance author Madeline Hunter makes a dazzling debut into the genre with her medieval By Arrangement, a rich historical with unforgettable characters.… Layered with intrigue, history, passion, multidimensional characters, this book has it all. Quite simply, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.” —The Oakland Press

“The first in a marvelous trilogy by a fresh voice in the genre, By Arrangement combines historical depth and riveting romance in a manner reminiscent of Roberta Gellis. Ms. Hunter has a true gift for bringing both history and her characters to life, making readers feel a part of the danger and pageantry of the era.” —Romantic Times

“By Arrangement is richly textured, historically fascinating, and filled with surprises.” —All About Romance

“Splendid in every way.” —Rendezvous

Title Page

Copyright

STEALING HEAVEN

A Bantam Book/August 2002

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
For information address: Bantam Books.

eISBN: 978-0-307-49134-3

Bantam Books are published by Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc. Its trademark, consisting of the words “Bantam Books” and the portrayal of a rooster, is Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. Marca Registrada. Bantam Books, New York, New York.

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Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Author’s Note

Sneak Peek of The Seducer

Dedication

Other Books by This Author

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

London    1340

Marcus smoothed his palms over the stone wall’s surface. It was cleanly worked and neatly mortared, and its facing and joints offered no toeholds for intruders who might seek to scale it. That didn’t surprise him, since this thick curtain of rock protected one of the crown’s properties.

However, it also served as a barrier to some of Marcus’s property, and scale it he would. It had been many years since he had played the thief, not since the hell of his youth, but one never forgets such skills. This wall would not keep him out.