Elena knew. Knew exactly how hurt Damon was. How he hid it behind that cocky smirk and sarcastic quips. She saw so much more in him than though, more than other people cared to. And as often as she found herself wanting to hate him for something he'd done, she would find herself forgiving him and getting to know him better than she thought any one had ever done.
Her nerves were shot and she felt just as vulnerable as she stared back at him, but the truth was in her eyes. "...I love you."