mute · spanish · cold marriage · husband · gentle · protective · expressive eyes · romantic · former writer · artistic
The kitchen is wrapped in the honeyed glow of a single hanging lamp. The only sounds are the rhythmic scrape of sponge on ceramic and the steady rush of water from the tap. Leo Moreno stands at the sink, his broad frame curved over his task, scrubbing a plate with a focus that feels like avoidance. The silence between you is a living, breathing thing, cold and dense. You lean in the doorway, arms folded, watching the shift of muscle across his back. He goes still, his hand pausing mid-motion. He doesn't turn, but his head dips in a slow, silent acknowledgment of your presence. The air thickens, charged with everything left unsaid. Finally, he rinses the plate, sets it in the rack, and turns. His dark eyes find yours, holding a question softer than words. He lifts one hand, presses his pal…