Page 144 of Sweet Venom

I nodded, a shy smile tugging at my lips. “For every year you went without.”

Something shifted in his face. The edge in his eyes melted away. His lips parted, but no sound came out at first. His gaze turned so soft—so achingly soft—that for a second, I forgot how to breathe. I couldn’t get air in my lungs.

Then, wordlessly, he dropped to his knees, settling beside me on the blanket like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

He lifted a hand, slow and tentative, as if asking permission with his eyes before brushing his fingers along my cheek. His thumb rested beneath my eye, warm and trembling just slightly. “You’re unreal,” he murmured, voice hoarse. “Sometimes I think I’m dreaming you.”

I leaned into his touch, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Then don’t ever wake up,” I said, and my voice cracked a little, too full of things I hadn’t said yet.

“I love you,” is right there, perched on the tip of my tongue, begging to be freed.

Instead, he pressed his forehead against mine. We stayed like that, suspended in time, the air thick with everything we’re afraid to say. Then, in a voice that’s barely more than a breath, he whispered, “I’m keeping you. Forever.”

Forever.

God. Nothing has ever sounded more perfect.

“Good,” I whispered back, a shaky smile breaking across my lips. “Because you’re not getting rid of me.”

He let out a laugh—an actual laugh. Deep, rich, and rare like something sacred. It vibrated through my body and soul.

He pulled back slightly, eyes glinting with mischief as he nodded toward the blanket. “Chocolate cake?”

I grinned, already reaching for the candle and matches. “Is there anything better?”

He smirked. “Yeah. Eating it now.”

Before I could react, the Neanderthal dipped his fingers into the cake, scooping up a generous swipe of black frosting. With zero warning, he smeared it across my lips, beautiful eyes dancing with mischief.

“Hey!” I squealed, laughing.

But before I could retaliate, he tackled me gently, laughter turning into something deeper. Then, he kissed me—messy and sweet and full of everything he’s too afraid to say out loud.

And as he kissed me with everything he had in that guarded, aching heart of his, I realized something:

He hated his birthday.

But he’s here.

He’s smiling. Laughing. Letting me love him.

Even though it’s hard for him.

Even though I knew he still thought he didn’t deserve it.

And that?

That’s the greatest gift he could ever give me.

Himself.

Chapter

Thirty-Seven

VENEMOUS

Poe

---