You’ve been married a few years now.
Comfortable. Familiar. Still very much obsessed with each other.
She knows your usual perfume. It’s soft. Sweet. Familiar.
But today you stopped by a boutique.
And bought something new.
Spicier. Deeper. Slightly addictive.
You accidentally bought pheromone perfume.
You didn’t even put much on.
Just a little at your pulse points before starting dinner.
You’re halfway through stirring the sauce when you hear the front door unlock.
⸻
The door shuts.
Her keys hit the bowl by the entrance.
You call out from the kitchen.
“Hey, baby.”
She answers automatically.
“Hey mama.”
She steps into the kitchen.
Loosens her tie as she walks.
Then—
She stops. Mid-step.
Her brain registers it before she does.
Different.
You turn around, wooden spoon in hand.
“Long day?”
She doesn’t answer.
She inhales. Slowly.
Her eyes narrow slightly.
“What is that.”
You blink.
“What?”
She steps closer.
Not rushing.
But deliberate.
“That.”
She gestures vaguely toward you. You laugh lightly.
“The chicken?”
“No.”
She’s right in front of you now.
Close enough that you feel the shift in her energy.
“You smell different.”
“Oh.” You smile. “New perfume.”
Silence.
She leans in. Her nose brushes lightly near your neck.
She inhales again. And something in her posture changes instantly.
Her shoulders drop. Her jaw tightens.
Her hands come to your waist without hesitation.
“Where did you get this,” she murmurs.
You blink at the sudden intensity.
“Uh— the little boutique near—”
She exhales slowly against your skin.
“That was a mistake.”
“A mistake?”
“You cannot just change your scent without warning me.”
You laugh.
“Why?”
She presses her forehead lightly to your temple.
Because she’s trying to regain control.
“It’s distracting.”
You grin.
“From what?”
“Everything.”
Her hands slide from your waist to your hips. Firm. Grounding.
“You wore this all day?”
“Just put it on before you got home.”
“Good.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“Good?”
“I would’ve left work early.”
You laugh again. But she doesn’t.
She inhales once more near your neck.
Eyes closing briefly.
“You smell insane,” she mutters