Elena’s POV
We collapsed together on the couch. My body was still humming, slick with sweat and his release, when he pulled me closer and kissed my forehead with a tenderness that made my chest ache. He looked happier than I had seen him in weeks.
“That was the best gift anyone has ever given me,” he murmured. “Thank you, Elena. I don’t deserve you.”
I smiled against his chest, tracing lazy patterns on his skin. “You do. I wanted to make you feel special today. Even if I can’t go out and buy you something fancy.”
He was quiet for a moment, then pulled back to look at me. There was something new in his eyes, regret mixed with determination. “I’ve been keeping you locked away in here for too long. It’s your birthday gift to me, but I want to give you something too. Let me take you out fo
