Free Paradise: The Masters of The Order Novel Two by Jillian Verne

looked resigned to another tongue lashing.
    Keep quiet, Isla. Let Jacques handle it.
    They were friends. It wasn’t her place to interfere. But, damn, er, darn it, she knew a lot about situations like this. Jacques was angry, making demands, and that was the opposite of what Jerard needed. Especially in his current condition.
    “Jerard, you should go inside and eat something,” she interjected.
    Jacques’s jaw almost hit the deck.
    Before he could utter a single word of protest, she added, “Then come back and sunbathe with me. Jacques left me here all alone.” She propped herself a little higher on her arms, plumping her girls, and bent her leg at the knee. As her foot swung back and forth through the air, she threw a little pout into her performance. “I’m lonely.”
    It was a lie, but she wanted to help and the sexy come-on would make Jerard forget all about Jacques.
    “Will you roll onto your back if I do, pretty lady?”
    “Do what I say and you’ll see,” she sang.
    Jerard grinned and walked into the house, leaving her alone with Jacques. He was quaking mad.
    “What the hell are you doing, Isla?” he shouted as soon as Jerard disappeared. “You don’t understand what’s going on here.”
    “I sure as hell do understand, Jacques, and don’t raise your voice to me. I’m not a fool and I’m certainly not blind. I can see that you want to help him, but you were making a huge mistake and I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t stop you.”
    “What?”
    Jacques was clearly confused. And obviously not used to being bossed around.
    What a shock . “He’s high, Jacques. He probably hasn’t eaten and very soon, his blood sugar will drop. That will make him want another hit almost as much as the addiction that your eyes tell me he’s battling. If he comes to spend time with me, maybe I can help. At the very least, it will give his body time to process the shit he pumped into it before he adds more.”
    Jacques collapsed onto the chaise next to her and she sat up. He was so upset, he didn’t even look at her bare chest.
    “What am I going to do, Isla? I love that man and he’s killing himself. When this began, I thought Jerard was just having a little fun. I was happy to see him let his guard down, but it didn't just come down, it crashed down. I misinterpreted the entire situation and now things have gotten out of hand.”
    “How long has this been going on?”
    “Six months, maybe more. I don’t know. Jerard promised me he had everything under control, but I know he doesn’t. I don’t know what he’s taking, but it’s getting worse. I feel him slipping away, losing himself, and I don’t know how to stop him."
    “You can’t. Only he can stop himself.”
    “That’s what the doctor said.” Frustration bristled in Jacques’s voice. “Jerard needs help, but he won’t get it. And he won’t let me get it for him.”
    “People have to do things for themselves sometimes, Jacques.”
    “It’s not in my nature to let someone I care for suffer. Jerard has never let another person care for him and I can’t break through those barriers. He has a sad story, Isla.”
    “We all do. You did the right thing by seeking professional help.”
    “Yeah, I know. I don’t have to hear it again. Until he seeks help himself, nothing will change.”
    “Right. So we just have to persuade him.”
    “This isn’t your problem, Isla.”
    “Doesn’t matter. Compassionate nature. Remember?” She smiled and took Jacques's hand. “First thing we have to do is find out what he’s using. He came for the party. That means he plans to stick around for a while. He wouldn’t do that without bringing a stash. When he comes back, you search his room. At least then we’ll know what we’re dealing with.”
    Jacques looked at her as if she was insane. “I am not leaving you alone with him. Not while he’s high.”
    She rolled her eyes. “I appreciate the offer, jefe , but I can take care of myself.”
    The look