Dangerous Therapy: O'Connor Brothers (Volume 1) Read Online Free Page B

Stephanie swiped her time card. “Is the money good?”
    “This place pays almost double what you’re getting here,” Donna said. “The nurses pay is about the same, but it’s better hours.”
    Stephanie couldn’t remember the last time she worked an eight-hour shift. It sounded like a dream job, but dreams didn’t always come true.
    The entire shift Stephanie was fighting to stay awake. She was so tired. Applying for that job was sounding better by the minute. It would definitely be a change, and she’d be home more to help Marina. She pulled out her phone and tapped in the website Donna had given her.
    Nightingale’s Private Care and Therapy catered to people who were in need of around the clock home care. They also provided physical therapy for people who wanted to complete their therapy in the comfort of their own homes. The comments left on their Facebook page raved about their service. It was also Newfoundland owned and operated. That was definitely a plus. What did she have to lose by applying? Nothing! She’d have better hours, more money, and get to do what she loved.
    Although it was a long night, Stephanie wanted to see Marina before she went home. Thank God the children’s hospital and the maternity ward were in the same building. She walked into her sister’s room. Marina was curled up on the bed crying. Stephanie’s stomach tightened. Marina never cried. This wasn’t good.
    “Rina, what’s wrong?” She rushed to the side of the bed and wrapped her arms around her sister. Marina was trembling.
    “I..I t..told him to leave, Steph.” Marina sobbed into Stephanie’s shoulder.
    “Who? Marc? Was he here?” Stephanie tried to stay calm. The last thing Marina needed was to see her upset.
    “No, he wasn’t here.” Marina sniffed. “He didn’t leave me, Steph. I kicked him out.”
    “Why, Rina?” Stephanie grabbed a box of tissues and passed them to her sister.
    “Because I found drugs under our bed.” Marina sobbed.
    “Marc was on drugs?” It was all starting to make sense. Marc’s personality change. Marina always looking like she was afraid. Stephanie never liked Marc, but she tolerated him for Marina’s sake.
    “Yes! He was injecting himself with something, but I don’t know exactly what it was. When I saw it, I knew why he’d changed so much.” Marina wiped her nose. “He said such horrible things, Steph. He told me he never loved me, and getting pregnant was the worst thing that ever happened.” Marina sighed. “I started to scream at him, and he slapped me across the face.”
    “He hit you?” This news was not helping her temper, but she’d love to have him standing next to her right now so she could rip his head off and spit down his neck.
    “Yes, but it wasn’t the first time.” Marina’s voice was a whisper. “I just couldn’t tell anyone because I didn’t know why he started acting so strange.” Marina took a deep intake of air and continued. “I knew when I found the drugs. I couldn’t bring a baby into a house with someone like that. I know I should’ve left the first time he hit me, but I was in such shock, and he seemed so sorry. The last couple of times, though, he didn’t seem to care.” She grabbed another tissue and blew her nose.
    “You did the right thing, Rina!” Her sister was abused and Stephanie didn’t even know.
    “I know, but I’m not sure if I can do this on my own.” Marina wiped her eyes. “I’m terrified.”
    “You’re not doing this alone. You’ve got me, Mom, and Dad,” Stephanie hugged her. “You won’t ever be alone, Rina! Never!”
    “What about if you meet someone?” Marina forced a smile after a few minutes. “You know I don’t remember seeing a wedding ring on Officer Hunky.”
    “I’m sure Danny will be in college by that time.” Stephanie chuckled. “And as for Officer Hunky, I don’t think I’ll see him again. I don’t plan on going through any more red lights.” Marina laughed. Good, she was