~Alton's pov~

I slid down my front door and leaned my head against it, covering my face as my heart beat out of my chest. The interaction with her had left me feeling both foolish and exhilarated.

 Why did she have this effect on me? I couldn't quite understand it, but I knew one thing for sure - I loved her so darn much that it physically hurt. 

The thought of her smile, her laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at me made my heart ache with longing.

I slid down completely onto the floor and stared up at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts of her.

I couldn't help but replay that moment in my head over and over again. Her soft lips on my cheek, the warmth of her touch sent shivers down my spine.

 I was a fool for her, completely and utterly.

As I spun on my back on the wooden floor, giggling to myself, I couldn't help but think of her.

Turning over, I sprawled on the floor, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions triggered by the vivid memories of her.

She's so pretty..

How did I manage to marry her ? I can't believe she's actually mine. 

Every time I thought about her, my heart fluttered like a million butterflies. I wanted to shout from the rooftops, making the entire world know how much I loved her.

But...I can't...

I can't love her right now, not when I'm a danger to her. The distance between us was killing me, and I ached to hold her in my arms and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. 

The thought of being apart from her was unbearable, and all I wanted was for time to speed up so I could be back with her. Argh... Her beauty is unjust, a torment to my senses.

The way she captivates me with just a smile, it's unfair. So unfair...

~Valeria's pov~

"Valeria, this is why we tell you to not leave our side! We're your bodyguards for a reason ," James scolded, his voice filled with concern.

 I could see the worry etched on his face, and I felt a pang of guilt for causing him and Killian stress.

"Oh, come on, guys," I chuckled as I fixed my bandage on my head, trying to lighten the mood. "It's just a little scratch, nothing to worry about."

Killian groaned loudly , his frustration evident as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Valeria, you getting a concussion would not be just a 'little scratch'," he retorted, his tone stern. I could see the frustration in his eyes, mixed with genuine concern.

"I'm The Viper for god sake. If I can handle bullet wounds and broken bones, I can certainly handle a little bump on the head," I joked, trying to ease the tension in the room. 

But James wasn't buying it. He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw clenched in annoyance.

"You may be The Viper, but that doesn't make you invincible," he said firmly. 

I could tell he was worried about me, despite his tough exterior. I sighed, realizing the futility of arguing with James in his current state, and decided to change tactics.

Turning away from the mirror, I leaned against the cool edge of the sink, locking eyes with James as a faint grin tugged at my lips.

"I know.. but don't worry , I don't die easily."

 My words seemed to calm him slightly, his shoulders relaxing a fraction. 

A faint smile teased the corners of his mouth, swiftly concealed by a mask of stoicism, revealing the battle between vulnerability and composure within him. 

James may think he needs to protect me, but he also knew I could hold my own. 

Killian suddenly pulled me into his arms, surprising me with his sudden display of affection.

 I allowed myself to be enveloped by his strong embrace, feeling safe and secure in his arms.

"Killian, I'm fine," I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest.

 He pulled back slightly, his hands still holding me at arm's length as he looked into my eyes with concern.

"Are you sure? " he said softly, his gaze searching mine for any sign of doubt. I smiled up at him. 

"I'm sure. I trust you both to keep me safe," I reassured him, my words filled with unwavering confidence. 

James and Killian both pulled me into their arms, one on each side, enveloping me in a warm hug.

 Their unexpected actions caught me off guard, but I couldn't help but feel grateful for their comfort. 

James enveloped me tightly, whereas Killian's embrace was gentle yet reassuring, each offering a unique sense of comfort.

 As we stood there in a moment of silent solidarity, I realized how lucky I was to have these two by my side.

"Anyways, enough with the sappy shit; do you want to know about the new updates in my love life?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood. 

James chuckled, his grip loosening slightly as he stepped back. Killian gave me a small smile, his eyes filled with understanding.

"Sure, spill the tea," James said, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Alton was worried about me! He was the whole reason I even went to the hospital to get my head checked out," I exclaimed, eager to share the details with my friends. 

James raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the mention of Alton's concern. Killian nodded, encouraging me to continue.

"He even let me kiss his cheek! ," I added, feeling a warmth in my chest at the memory of Alton's care and attentiveness.

"Looks like things are getting serious between you two," James teased, a smirk playing on his lips. Killian simply nodded, his eyes reflecting a sense of approval.

"I think so too," I admitted, absolutely ecstatic about the budding relationship between me and Alton.

"Well, looks like we have to start planning the wedding now," James joked, causing us all to burst into laughter at the absurdity of his comment.

"Oh, please, I'm already married to him; I just need to remind him of it." I grinned mischievously as I subtly held up my left hand, showcasing the glinting wedding ring on my finger.

They burst out laughing, patting my back and messing up my hair , careful with my bandages, as they knew I had just gotten them changed earlier that day.

"Hey, watch it," I playfully scolded them, making sure to protect my newly healed wounds. 

They all chuckled and apologized, promising to be more cautious around me. 

As we continued to chat and joke around, I couldn't help but feel grateful for such a caring group of friends.