Read Online Always and Forever by L.A. Fiore - Free Book Online Page A

and wrapped her arms around Nickie's shaking shoulders.
    "Nicholas!" the sound of his father's voice made Nickie take a few steps back in fear. Quinn looked at his face and she could see that he'd been crying.
    "Apologize to Miss Shaughnessy this minute," Archer demanded.
    His lower lip trembled before he managed, "Sorry."
    Quinn's voice was very gentle when she addressed Nickie, "I'm fine. But why are you crying?"
    "My nurse came home early," he whispered which immediately had Quinn looking over at Mr. Tilward who looked as angry as she felt.
    "Did she touch you?" Quinn whispered.
    "She heard about your fall from the maids so she disciplined me."
    A moment later, the nurse, Miss Jenkins, appeared in the doorway all smiles and curtsies as she came to retrieve her charge. Quinn however didn't miss the calculated look of retribution that she shot Nickie. It was without thought that she stood up and put Nickie behind her back to shield him with her body before the nurse could grab him.
    "What do you think you're doing, Miss Shaughnessy, keeping the child from his nurse?" Lady Danvers asked in outrage.
    Quinn ignored her and turned to Archer, "Are you aware that this woman beats your child?"
    The question clearly caught Archer off guard when he didn't immediately answer. He looked puzzled from the nurse to Quinn and back again.
    "Hitting is an acceptable way to discipline a child," Lady Danvers interjected.
    "Smacking his hands, even whacking his bottom when he misbehaves -- isn't going to hurt him," Archer finally said.
    "I agree, but the use of a cane should not be tolerated. Ever."
    "What are you talking about?" Archer was truly surprised.
    Quinn turned to Nickie. "Show your father."
    Miss Jenkins spoke up at that moment. "I do not use a cane. And if there are any bruises on him, they are from him constantly falling out of trees. Like he did again today." Quinn didn't miss the evil smile on the nurse's face after she shared that little secret tidbit with her employer.
    "What happened today?"Archer asked and that steely gaze was directed solely on Quinn who wasn't about to confirm the nurse's story so she remained silent. Archer reached for her arm to gain her attention but as soon as his strong hand wrapped around her sore arm, she gasped in pain. He immediately dropped his hand to his side.
    "Don't hurt her. Leave her alone. She saved my life today!" Nickie screamed as he threw himself at his father trying to protect the pretty lady who had been kind to him. Archer hunched down and took his son into his arms.
    "I didn't mean to hurt her, Nicholas."
    "Well, you can't touch her because she's bruised from falling out of a tree saving me."
    Archer's head snapped up to look at Quinn's but she offered nothing. Miss Jenkins used the opportunity to try for Nickie again but Quinn stepped in front of her.
    "You are not going anywhere near that child," she nearly growled. While she felt strong in her conviction, Quinn couldn't help but feel an odd sense of fear as she looked at Nurse Jenkins. It was like looking into the soul of pure evil.
    "It's my job. How dare you?" Nurse Jenkins seethed.
    "Dare I? I should beat you to within an inch of your life." Quinn threatened. Her focus was directly on the nurse and her impertinent glower when she added, "I most definitely dare, Miss Jenkins, because you are terrible at your job."
    Quinn turned to Archer. "Look at your son's body and see what the person, to whom you have entrusted his welfare, has been doing to him."
    And with that Quinn left the solar. As she passed Mr. Tilward she whispered, "I believe I will have dinner in my room after all."

    The following morning Quinn was awaken by Mrs. Hamston while Sara pulled open the curtains to let in the morning sun.
    "I've made a poultice that I'd like to apply to your bruises."
    Quinn hadn't slept much during the night since any pressure at all on her one side had her seeing stars. In her studies she had often read of the wonderful healing