Sleeping Beauty by Maureen McGowan Page A

on Tristan, who was taller and stronger—but these exercises, which resulted in body-on-body contact, made her nervous. Each time Tristan had her pinned or held her closely, she closed her eyes and imagined him holding her for more romantic reasons.
    â€œTristan?” Hans asked. “Is it okay if I take off? I’ve got a vampire history test tomorrow morning.”
    Tristan nodded, and the boy headed out.
    Lucette’s heart beat even faster at the thought of being alone with Tristan. Maybe tonight was her chance to tell him how she felt.
    The fairy queen had told her that she’d know how to prove her love when the time came, so maybe this overwhelming desire to kiss Tristan was a sign. Maybe she could lift the curse before it even took effect and she and Tristan could live happily ever after. Although he was nearly three years older, there were no rules about age where love was concerned, and no way to control when or with whom love happened. How ironic if her father had been right all along. Maybe she was old enough for love after all.
    She watched Hans leave the room and considered how to tell Tristan she loved him. Slowly, she turned with what she hoped was a seductive smile.
    Tristan lunged like a vampire. Lucette’s shock vanished and her slayer training kicked in, but she ducked under his arm too late to get a strong hold, and then her leg sweep missed. Before she could adjust her stance, he had one arm pinned behind her back, and he pulled
down so that her body was bent back against his—with his teeth on her throat.
    She panted, first from the shock and then from the rush of feelings flowing through her. Closing her eyes, she sighed and stretched her head to the side, exposing her neck further.
    He dropped her and she fell onto the mat. “Ouch!”
    â€œOuch?” Tristan glared at her, even more handsome when angry. “Is that all you have to say? If I were a vampire, you’d be bitten. Three bites and you’d be dead. I’m beginning to think you’re not serious about this anymore. Maybe we’re done. I’m not sure I can teach you much more—not if you’re going to be so sloppy.”
    Her cheeks burned. “You surprised me.”
    â€œOh, sorry.” He raised his hands in mock surrender. “If I were a real vampire, I would have said, ‘Are you ready, Lucy? Because I’m about to attack you.’”
    â€œVery funny.” She got to her feet as gracefully as she could. She stepped toward him with a soft smile on her face. Before she realized what she was doing, she reached out to touch his powerful upper arm.
    But before her fingers reached his skin, he pulled his arm away. “What’s your story, Lucy? Not many girls want to learn how to be slayers. None that I know of, anyway, other than you.”
    Her chest heaved as she fought to control her breath and her nerves. He was interested in her, asking personal questions. This was her chance. The fairies had been right: she knew what to do.
    She tipped up onto her toes and leaned forward to kiss him. But before their lips met, Tristan jerked back sharply, and the only thing she managed to kiss was air.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” he demanded.

    Undeterred, she reached for him again.
    â€œLucy, that’s highly inappropriate!” His voice was clipped and sharp.
    â€œWhy?”
    His face turned from shock to pity. He rubbed a hand over his chin. “I don’t . . . I mean, I can’t . . . You’re just a kid.”
    â€œI am not.” She put her hand on his chest, but he pulled it off. “I’m almost fifteen,” she said.
    He backed into a leather-topped wooden horse. “Lucy, I’ll be eighteen soon. The age difference is too much. I’ve never met your father, but I’m quite sure he’d kill me.”
    â€œNo, you’re wrong. He wouldn’t. In fact, he’s been making me date since I was