His Wicked Celtic Kiss: Wicked Men of Rockland City, #2

By Karyn Gerrard

It took just one teasing wink and a sexy Irish lilt from 'bad boy' Lorcan Byrne to turn Julie Barnes's world upside down.

 

After several dangerous years working as a soldier and a spy, Lorcan has stopped in Rockland City for some much-needed downtime. He's only in town for six months, working for his extended family, and happily-ever-after isn't in this world traveler's vocabulary.

 

Julie has worked hard to change her life. But this handsome Irish charmer is just as enticing as any of the decadent cakes she sells, and she can't resist the temptation of him. She's planning to enjoy every second of their explosive chemistry—for as long as it lasts.

 

For his part, Lorcan didn't count on meeting someone who could soothe his damaged heart and help heal his troubled soul. Never mind the searing attraction. But staying permanently in one place is not an option. However, Julie is determined to convince him that he has more to offer than just his 'wicked Celtic kiss.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: KG Publishing
• Release date: Jul 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777220532

Karyn Gerrard

Karyn Gerrard, born and raised in the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada, now makes her home in a small town in Northwestern Ontario. When she’s not cheering on the Red Sox or travelling in the summer with her teacher husband, she writes, reads romance, and drinks copious amounts of Earl Grey tea.   Even at a young age, Karyn’s storytelling skills were apparent, thrilling her fellow Girl Guides with off-the-cuff horror stories around the campfire. A multi-published author, she loves to write sensual historicals and contemporaries. Tortured heroes are an absolute must.   As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise, she assumes everything is golden. Karyn’s been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement and loving support keeps her moving forward.   To learn more about Karyn and her books, visit www.karyngerrard.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter7

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

Epilogue

More Books by Karyn Gerrard

Author Biography

Sneak Peek of His Wicked Cold Heart (Wicked Men of Rockland City #3)

The Wicked Men of Rockland City Series

Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay, in Rockland City, Maryland, this small industrial city has witnessed the struggle for dominance by two families: The De Lucas and the Barneses. For good or ill, their lives, and those associated with them, have intertwined for years.

The Barnes family represents law and order. The De Lucas embodies the complete opposite, and soon their various criminal enterprises overtake everyone’s lives with disastrous results. Once the smoke clears, the question remains of who will survive. Passions run high, so do old and new resentments—and old and new friendships and loves.

Author’s Note

I wrote His Wicked Celtic Kiss in 2014. It was originally published with Crimson Romance. When I got the rights back in 2017, I decided that I would republish/publish this series myself with major revisions and new material.

His Wicked Celtic Kiss is book two in my Wicked Men of Rockland City series. The hero and heroine of this novel, Julie and Lorcan, met in book one, He’s the Wicked Bad, and their story continues here.

Lorcan suffers from mild PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) a mental health injury triggered by a terrifying event.

After taking the historical romance path for a few years, I got the urge to turn to this contemporary series once again. Here is what I have planned so far. It will contain the following books (mainstream romance):

Book 1: He’s the Wicked Bad (change in previous title) Nick’s Story

Book 2: His Wicked Celtic Kiss (no change in previous title) Lorcan’s Story

Book 3: His Wicked Cold Heart (all new) Liam’s Story

Book 4: He’s so Wicked Good (all new) Tyler’s Story

Both books one and two have major editing and revisions. And a change in the heat level for book one in particular.

Rockland City is fictional, and in no way a reflection of any similarly named city or location in Maryland or elsewhere. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Summary for His Wicked Celtic Kiss

It took just one teasing wink and a sexy Irish lilt from ‘bad boy’ Lorcan Byrne to turn Julie Barnes’s world upside down.

After several dangerous years working as a soldier and a spy, Lorcan has stopped in Rockland City for some much-needed downtime. He’s only in town for six months, working for his extended family, and happily-ever-after isn’t in this world traveler’s vocabulary.

Julie has worked hard to change her life. But this handsome Irish charmer is just as enticing as any of the decadent cakes she sells, and she can’t resist the temptation of him. She’s planning to enjoy every second of their explosive chemistry—for as long as it lasts.

For his part, Lorcan didn’t count on meeting someone who could soothe his damaged heart and help heal his troubled soul. Never mind the searing attraction. But staying permanently in one place is not an option. However, Julie is determined to convince him that he has more to offer than just his ‘wicked Celtic kiss.’

Prologue

Six hundred channels and not a bloody thing worth watching.

Lorcan Byrne reached for the television remote to turn off the set. Instead, an image of a verdant hillside flickered on the screen, catching his attention. Lush orchestration filled the room, and he recognized the tune immediately— Isle of Innisfree. 

The haunting melody spoke of an Irish immigrant longing to return home. Lorcan swallowed hard as emotion unexpectedly overcame him. What were the odds the travel channel would be showing a program on Ireland?

Home. 

Looking across the vast expanse of concrete and untamed urban sprawl from his third-story flat window, he could almost imagine the lush meadows and glacial lakes in the Ring of Kerry. 

Not that he’d spent much time in Ireland lately. Lorcan had traveled the world as a soldier, and in his capacity as a spy for the Irish Army, experienced things he didn’t want to remember. The memories still haunted his dreams and had taken up residence in the dark corners of his soul. 

 The music turned into white noise as he leaned against the window and sighed wistfully. 

Home.

Even after all his adventures, he still wandered from place to place. Recently, Lorcan had made it home to Dublin to visit his parents. But as soon as the opportunity came, he was off once again. 

Brogan, his rock musician brother, was on a small venue U.S. tour. Reese, another brother, and their cousins, Ronan McCarthy and Sullivan ‘Sully’ McDermott, had traveled with Brogan as part of his entourage. 

Lorcan had jumped at the chance. He’d thought a road trip would help him forget.

After all, a six-month temporary diversion would be another stop in a long line of casual jobs and fleeting relationships. But he was soon bored and instead took a detour to Rockland City, Maryland, to an extended family he’d not seen in years: the De Lucas.

His U.S. cousins had all visited Ireland every summer up until Lorcan was twelve. Now here he was, working for his Uncle Vinnie.

Lorcan’s brows furrowed. He’d only been in The States for six weeks, and he was already yearning for home again?

It made no sense.

Would Lorcan ever find a place of permanence? A place where he felt at ease? A place where he was no longer disturbed by recollections best forgotten?

The rasping noise of a buzzer cut through his thoughts. He strode to the intercom and pressed the button.

Aye?

It’s Nick. Buzz me in.

Lorcan hit the button then walked over to the window, scanning the parking lot below. Sure enough, there was Veronica’s Mustang. She waved to him, and he returned the greeting. Lorcan had promised to help them move Veronica’s belongings into Nick’s flat. With one last yearning look at the Irish countryside, he clicked off the telly.

Lorcan let his friend in. Standing at six-foot-four and a half, Nick Crocetti took up the entire doorframe.

Didn’t you hear me beeping the car horn? Nick asked as he plopped down on the recliner. He gave the near-empty room a cursory look. No sofa yet. Do you even live here?

Lorcan glanced around his flat. Nick was right. In the few weeks since he’d moved in, he hadn’t bothered with personal touches or flourishes. Lorcan could effectively pack up his life in a couple of suitcases. He’d learned to travel light long ago.

To answer your questions, no, I didn’t bloody well hear you. I sleep here, nothing else. It is a place to lay my head. That’s all I need it for. Lorcan sat on the end of the wooden coffee table that came with the flat. How’s the arm?

Nick clenched his fist and flexed his gauze-covered bicep. The burns are healing. I still have the bandages, but at least I’m off the painkillers.

So, you’re up to moving boxes?

Nick nodded. It’s only her personal effects; it shouldn’t take more than a couple of trips. Veronica is leaving a lot of stuff behind for now.

The fire inspectors gave the okay for you to live in your flat? Lorcan asked. Obviously.

Yeah. The damage downstairs is water and smoke more than anything. Since it passed inspection for structural soundness, the renovations will start soon. The contractor said reopening in the new year could be possible.

That’s great news. Are you going to be able to live there with renovations happening?

Nick shrugged. It’s mostly clean up and only three days a week. We’ll manage.

Lorcan stood. We’d better get a move on then, mate.

Hold on. Sit. I want to talk.

Lorcan grunted and sat on the table again. Since when? I thought conversations weren’t your thing? And Veronica’s down in the car—

Veronica’s fine. I bought her a caramel latte, and she’s reading one of her Highlander romances on her phone. She’s cool. First, it’s been a couple of weeks since the fire at my bar, and I want to thank you for everything you’ve done.

Lorcan squirmed uncomfortably, not that balancing his arse on the edge of a coffee table could be considered comfortable. He opened his mouth to speak, to tell Nick there was no need to thank him yet again as he had done it more than once, but Nick raised his hand to halt him.

You’re going to hear me out. No interruptions. You saved my life. You pulled my unconscious ass out of the fire. Then you paid for my hospital stay and offered shifts at The Playpen bartending, along with medical benefits. Now, this?

Nick pulled a folded envelope out of his shirt pocket. A check? And why the hell did you mail it to Veronica’s bakery? Why not come by and give it to me in person? What the fuck?

Nick sounded annoyed, and he couldn’t blame the bloke. Why did he mail the check?

Guilt, pure and simple.

The fire in Nick’s bar?  Lorcan’s crazy cousin, Ronan McCarthy, had started it to gain revenge for a perceived insult. When Lorcan found out what Ronan had done, he and Sully made sure their cousin got the hell out of the city and back to Dublin. Lorcan considered Nick a good friend, and he always helped his friends and protected his family, regardless of the circumstances. He recognized that Ronan’s disappearance was the best solution all around.

 The money is a small loan, that way, you can proceed with the renovations full bore until the insurance money comes through. You said the approval could take a few months. This loan will allow you to have the crew work five days a week instead of three. At that pace, you can reopen sooner, like late December or early January. Pay me back when you can, mate.

Lorcan had more money than he knew what to do with, but he kept his wealth, such as it was, under wraps.

I don’t have many friends, Nick said gruffly, his voice thick with emotion. I appreciate this. And I’m paying you back with interest. No arguments.

Aye. Whatever you wish. So, Veronica’s moving in. Is this of a permanent nature? Lorcan winked teasingly.

"It is. Very permanent. We love each other. We want to be together all the time. Nick paused. You’re very good at this."

Lorcan’s brows arched. What do you mean?

You change the subject when the conversation gets too heavy. Lay on the charming Irish bullshit to deflect people from getting too close. You can’t kid a kidder, Lorcan. I know when someone’s hiding something. I saw you looking out your window. I saw the expression on your face. I recognize it. Nick paused, then shook his head.

You were gone, man. Lost in thought, Nick continued. And it wasn’t good thoughts. Your mask might be different from my brooding one, but you wear one. Don’t deny it. Nick stuffed the envelope in his pocket, pulled the lever on the recliner, and sat back, crossing his arms behind his head.

Lorcan rubbed his eyes as they throbbed with fatigue. Sleep didn’t come easy and hadn’t for years, and what sleep he managed barely offered any relief from his tortured memories. 

Aye, masks, he muttered. No emotional attachments to possessions or other people. It’s the way I’ve been living for a while. Maybe I’m using this time to try to decide what I want to do with the rest of my life. 

Heal. Reflect. Whatever it takes. 

Despite what horrors haunted him at night, he refused to allow any of it to invade his mind in the cold light of day. Lorcan also didn’t want to talk about it in any detail. 

Maybe this was why he and Nick had formed a strong bond. They were alike in many ways. He had already told Nick more than he had revealed to anyone, even his family.

I hear you. I just want you to know that I get it. And, hell, Nick’s mouth quirked. I’m here for you. Whenever. Whatever you need. I’m a good listener. Or so my customers used to say. 

Nick flipped the recliner into an upright position and stood. Though visibly uncomfortable talking about emotions, there was sincerity in his friend’s sincere words. Lorcan appreciated it.

We’d better head out, Nick stated. Julie’s going to watch the bakery while we move the boxes.

Julie Barnes.

A spark of excitement moved through Lorcan at the prospect of seeing her again.

Curious, that.

He hadn’t seen her in over two weeks. The last time they’d spoken was at the bakery when he had ordered a dozen rolls. Julie bent over the display case and showed him the most luscious arse he had ever seen. His arousal had spiked, and he immediately made a hasty exit. It would be interesting to see what reaction he’d have today.

He stood, reached for his keys, and followed Nick out the door.

Lorcan allowed his features to settle into the mask that he showed the world: the teasing, charming, adroit Irishman who had not a care in the world. A man confident in his skin, secure in his looks, and who had the world by the tail.

Too bad none of it was true.

Chapter 1

Working in a bakery was a temptation to the extreme for Julie Barnes. Every day she was surrounded by luscious cinnamon rolls, delectable cookies, and fresh, warm bread. But it was a good challenge, too. If she could work here and not be tempted by the chocolate chip pecan cookies, then perhaps, the war had been won.

The war was not the weight loss, but gaining confidence, being happy with who she was. Julie had achieved that, along with letting go of stress. Losing weight came after the fact. Anxiety still reared its head now and then, but for the most part, she was in a good place.

She glanced at the clock. Her boss, and cousin, Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Barnes, was in the process of moving her belongings into Nick Crocetti’s apartment across town. She would be returning any minute, and she’d be expecting an answer.

Ronnie had offered the apartment located behind the bakery, rent-free. Julie’s current apartment had become a financial strain, and the generous offer was well-timed. Waking up to the odor of baked goods each morning would be a test of her willpower.

She could do it. Hell, she could do anything she put her mind to.

A black Lincoln Navigator roared into the parking lot, skidding to an abrupt stop in front of Titus Bakery. Nick climbed out of the passenger side, opened the back door, and held out his hand. Ronnie took it, stepping out like a starlet going to a movie premiere. Who would have thought that Nick, the big rugged biker whom Julie had nicknamed The Terminator, would turn out to be such a tender pussycat?

Then the driver’s side door swung open, and Lorcan Byrne made an appearance. Julie snapped her gum and chewed faster at the glorious sight of him.

The man was utterly gorgeous.

There were no other words to describe him.

Lorcan resembled a romance book cover model, and there was no mistaking his masculinity. It came off him in waves. Don’t get her started on that voice of his. The deep, playful, Irish lilt rolled off his tongue like wicked sin. Lorcan was almost as sinful as the chocolate chip pecan cookies.

He stretched, his tight white T-shirt riding up over toned abs. Julie nearly swallowed her gum. 

Maybe as sinful. 

He lifted the dark aviator sunglasses, and bright, blue-green eyes nailed her with a searing look. The summer breeze tousled his longish dark brown hair.

Maybe…more sinful. 

Julie winced as she recalled the date night that she and Lorcan had with Nick and Ronnie. 

Talk about getting off on the wrong foot. Could it have been only six weeks ago? It seemed an eternity. 

It hadn’t been an official date, of course. Julie and Lorcan were there as friends of Nick and Ronnie, respectively, for no other reason. She had been reluctant to go, but her cousin had convinced her to attend. What could it hurt? 

The evening started off awkwardly, her inner strength shaken each time he’d turned those luminescent eyes on her and spoke with that sexy accent. 

But once they had been left alone, they started talking and—connected. 

When he’d touched her arm, it had been electric, pure and simple. Every nerve ending had crackled with life. Though he’d pulled away from her quickly enough. 

But it wasn’t only the heated sparks between them. 

Lorcan’s cousin, Ronan McCarthy, had shown up, and all hell had broken loose. First off, his long-haired, scarred cousin sat briefly with her and Lorcan, calling her ‘plain as muck,’ and not Lorcan’s usual type.

It had angered her, and yes, underneath, it had hurt. Growing up as a fat girl had exposed her to cruel remarks and teasing throughout her life. But she didn’t shrink away. Julie stood up for herself.

Angry, Nick manhandled this Irish cousin, and, according to Ronnie, this thug had been in Nick’s bar trying to sell drugs a few weeks before.

The night ended, then and there.

Later, she and Lorcan had reached an agreement to be polite for Nick and Ronnie’s sake. This would be the test.

Speaking of her cousin, Ronnie stepped between the tall men, looped her arms through theirs, and smiled warmly as they sauntered towards the shop. Julie quickly removed the gum, wrapped it in a tissue, and tossed it in the wastebasket.

Nick held the door open, and Ronnie stepped through first.

Julie, we’re back! she called out. One more trip should do it.

Lorcan and I can take the last boxes over, then come back and get you, Nick said to Ronnie. 

We can all go out to dinner after. What do you say, Julie? Lorcan asked, his gaze firm on her.

Caught off guard, Julie was rendered speechless.

This must be one of those times Lorcan mentioned when they’d conversed last. The we should try and be civil for our friends’ sakes moments. How to respond? 

I have plans, she offered lamely. 

Right, hand-wash my bras and paint my toenails. Big plans.

Another time, then. Ronnie clasped Nick’s hand and walked toward the rear hallway. She halted. Oh, are you taking the apartment, Julie?

Everyone stared at her waiting for a reply. It made financial sense. Why procrastinate? 

Make a decision.

Thanks, Ronnie. I will.

Wonderful! And I’ll even loan you my boys to help you move. Ronnie winked as she and Nick headed down the hallway.

Only Lorcan hadn’t followed them; he stayed standing by the counter. 

Do you have any plans this Saturday night, darlin’? You do recall we discussed going out to dinner?

He can’t be serious.

When he’d tossed out the casual invitation, she’d thought he was merely being polite, solicitous, and nothing more.

A date? she snorted.

The unlady-like snort was a nice touch.

Lorcan laid his hands flat on the counter and leaned forward. A subtle whiff of his expensive cologne assaulted her senses, the scent making her light-headed.

A date, he nodded. I’m all for it. You get off at six on Saturday? His deep voice rolled huskily.

Julie couldn’t speak. She gazed into his eyes, which were large, expressive, and an indescribable shade of blue-green she’d only seen once before, on a late-night travel show about diving in the Spanish waters off