It was hardly a typical thing for a new husband to do. But Cormac Riordan never had much patience for tradition—and had no qualms about abandoning beautiful Claire O'Donnell on their wedding night. Heartless as it may have seemed at the time, he knew it was the only way to save her life. Because of the curse that has haunted Cormac's family for generations, Riordan brides are doomed to die young—and usually in childbirth. Cormac is convinced that by not consummating his marriage, he is averting disaster. But when Claire's brother—furious about the tragic circumstances of her ill-fated wedding—kills Cormac's father, Cormac returns. To face the consequences of fleeing a union meant to end a centuries-old feud between families. And to confront his deepening desire for the bride he left behind.