The moment Henri realized he was about to lose control of himself, he drew a deep breath and, in one swift motion, took the dishes from Catarina’s hands and turned toward the sink. The sound of the plate touching the surface broke the silence that had settled between them.

Catarina took a step back, surprised by the sudden change. Her heart was still racing, and she could feel the warmth in her face, as though his mere touch had awakened something that shouldn’t have been.

She remained there, w