Rules of Attraction Read Online Free Page A

moods—it had drained Claire, especially since she was still in mourning for her parents. And maybe besides being tired she was also angry. She felt used and manipulated—her own fault, since she’d known what Jenn was like, had given in to her all her life.
    Still, Claire had needed her own space, needed Jenn and her wild lifestyle gone. Now she was.
    And now Claire was a prisoner in her own home. Someone would probably be watching her house, or following her if she went out, presumably to see if she made contact with her sister.
    Half sister. She didn’t usually make much of the distinction until lately, when she wanted to disconnect from Jenn and live her own life.
    But Claire had made enough concessions to and for Jenn. She also knew when Jenn was lying. She’d looked Claire straight in the eye and said she didn’t know anything about the money.
    That was good enough for Claire. It should be good enough for the D.A., and Quinn Gerard, who was just pulling up across the street.
    Rase came up beside her, his leash clenched in his mouth. She glanced from him to the window. She smiled.
    â€œReady for a run, boy?” she asked, taking the leather strap to fasten to his collar.
    Rase barked once, his rear swinging from side to side as he wagged his tail in answer.
    â€œI like the way you think,” she said. “Let’s see if Mr. Gerard is in as good shape as he looks.”

Three
    Q uinn pulled up beside Cassie Miranda’s car, leaned across the passenger seat and handed her a steaming cup of her favorite mocha. She was one of two investigators he’d hired late last year. She’d pulled the night surveillance on Jennifer, and now Claire.
    â€œThanks,” she said, breathing the aroma before taking a sip and sighing. “No activity from the house, except that she opened the blinds a little while ago.”
    â€œI bet she’s showered, dressed and sitting like a soldier in her living room.”
    â€œNot the kind to fly, hm?”
    â€œNo reason for her to.” He admired Claire for standing up to him last night, even for not letting him inside her house. “I’ll probably see you in the office later.”
    â€œI’m going to grab a few hours of sleep before I come in.”
    â€œHey, it’s Sunday. Take an extra hour.”
    â€œGee, thanks, boss.” She started her engine. “How come we’re still working this, anyway? The job is done. There’s no one to tail.”
    How come, indeed? Not just because he always saw things through, but because he thought his presence might make what was about to happen easier for Claire, if she wasn’t too mad at him. He’d been in a similar situation once. He hadn’t forgotten how it felt, and how hard it was to recover from the invasion of privacy.
    â€œShe’s taking the dog for a walk,” Cassie said, pointing. “I’ll get going.”
    Quinn swore. He’d bet she’d specifically waited for this moment, when he and Cassie traded places, to get a head start on him. What did she think he was going to do, follow her? As far as she knew he was waiting for her sister.
    He wasn’t.
    He looked out his car window just then and she smiled—no, smirked—and waved to him then started jogging up the street, her dog beside her. Her dinky dog with the big bark.
    Was that a challenge?
    In no time he was following her, watching her ponytail bounce in rhythm with her steps. He caught up soon enough but lingered behind her, enjoying the view and the way she looked over her shoulder without trying to seem like she was. She did have spectacular legs.
    When she spotted him she picked up speed. The dog broke stride, barked once then settled beside her, keeping pace.
    Quinn had appreciated the leather skirt yesterday. Today she wore running shorts, a tank top and a sweatshirt that she’d pulled off and tied around her waist without missing a step. He whipped his