“Little bird, you passed out in the car, this is Dr. Harris, he’s here to check you’re okay. Your mom’s on her way.”

“My mom?” she asks, pausing frantic eyes on me.

“I called her, she wanted me to bring you home, but when I explained Dr. Harris was on his way, I suggested she come here instead,” I lie. I do plan to call her mom, but not until Starling is settled and the doctor’s done all that he needs to do.

“Where am I?” she asks frantically.

“My house, sweetheart, just stay calm and let the doctor examine you.”

Turning to look at the doctor again, her brow furrows. “You’re a doctor?” He nods and she glances at me warily, before turning back to him. “He’s kidnapped me, please help me.”

Dr. Harris turns his head and eyes me cautiously before looking back to Starling. “Let me examine you first, fainting can be scary and a little disorienting.”

Her eyes keep warily glancing at me, but she nods and her body relaxes a little as she leans back into the mountain of pale-blue-and-white cushions I picked out for her.

Dr. Harris is quick and efficient as he checks Starling’s pulse, takes her blood pressure, then shines a light into her eyes to check her reactions. Draping his stethoscope around his neck, he walks over to where his bag is sitting on top of a console table and I quickly follow.

“Is she okay?” I ask quietly.

“Her pulse and blood pressure are a little elevated, but not to a concerning level. What happened before she fainted?”

“It’s taking her a little time to adjust to being my fiancée and all that entails. We were having a heated discussion when her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she slumped down into the seat.”

“I see,” Dr. Harris says, his tone almost snippy. “How old is she?”

“Sixteen.”

“Sebastian, I’ve been your family’s doctor for thirty years, but I feel in good conscience that I need to remind you that the legal age of consent in Florida is eighteen. You’re young, in love and engaged, but if someone were to report you…” he trails off and I smile reassuringly at him.

“I appreciate your concern, but I am more than aware that Starling is younger than me. We’re taking things slowly on that front and I have no intention of compromising either her or myself. Right now, I’m more concerned about her immediate health. Will she be okay? Does she need bed rest, more tests?”

“She needs to rest tonight, but she should be fine in the morning. Her mother is on her way over?”

“Yes,” I lie, not allowing any doubt to cross my expression. “Perhaps you could administer a mild sedative to make her more comfortable for the night?” I suggest, forcefully.

His eyes widen a little and I can sense a hint of reluctance, but in the end he nods. “That might be a good idea, a restful night’s sleep can do wonders.”