Celtic Bride

Celtic Bride
Margo Maguire

Chivalry Demanded He Cherish And Protect Any Woman In NeedYet Marcus de Grant had never felt this more strongly than when he laid eyes upon Keelin O'Shea. Though driven by a sense of honor to rival his own, this Irish princess was sore in need of his warrior's blade–and his chivalrous heart!Guardian of her clan's sacred talisman, Keelin O'Shea had ever put duty before desire. Yet one sight of Marcus de Grant emerging from the river, golden and glorious as some ancient god, sent a sweet ache of yearning through her for things that could never be!

They were both transfixed, neither moving

Until the chamber door shut.

Keelin suddenly came to her senses and attempted to cover herself with her hands. Marcus should not be in her chamber. No man had ever seen her unclothed.

He took a step toward her.

“Marcus…” she whispered, unable to keep from wanting what she could not have.

She had no will of her own when he looked at her. Her hands dropped to her sides when he reached for her.

“You are so beautiful,” he breathed, taking her hand as she rose from the tub.

Nothing in Keelin’s life had prepared her for the surge of emotions that coursed through her now. She felt feverish, though she knew she should have been cold after stepping out of the bath. Instead, she felt heat—nay, ’twas more than mere heat, ’twas a sweltering fire that consumed her….

Celtic Bride

Harlequin Historical #572

Praise for Margo Maguire’s previous titles

Dryden’s Bride

“Exquisitely detailed…an entrancing tale that will enchant and envelop you as love conquers all.”

—Rendezvous

“A warm-hearted tale…Ms. Maguire skillfully draws the reader into her deftly woven tale.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

The Bride of Windermere

“Packed with action…fast, humorous, and familiar…THE BRIDE OF WINDERMERE will fit into your weekend just right.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

“A wonderful story…experience the emotions and trials of these individuals as they travel on their journey. This one is a must.”

—Rendezvous

#571 THE WIDOW’S LITTLE SECRET

Judith Stacy

#573 THE LAWMAN TAKES A WIFE

Anne Avery

#574 LADY POLLY

Nicola Cornick

Celtic Bride

Margo Maguire

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and

MARGO MAGUIRE

The Bride of Windermere #453

Dryden’s Bride #529

Celtic Bride #572

This book is for Mom, a Celtic Bride herself.

Thanks for the stories of the McCarthys, the Deans,

the Lannens, the Flynns and all the rest of our Irish kin.

And thanks especially for telling me about

Uncle Billy who could charm warts off—but only

under the big oak tree next to the cemetery,

and under a full moon.

Contents

Prologue (#u37edb447-2a64-5ead-9e82-185b023f787c)

Chapter One (#u1f1fd356-3bb8-5a1a-b720-6ffafc891ea6)

Chapter Two (#u551d2a09-8d7b-5006-b8c7-d99575a5ac83)

Chapter Three (#u9e46fe56-a526-5611-a5c8-02c4e1ae11eb)

Chapter Four (#u9004c000-f12a-5dfd-ac5b-2e5bd3892d38)