Contractual Obligations (Aisle and Error, #1)

by Elle Rivers

“Cover those freckles, Lily,” my mom said. “Men don’t like imperfections.”

“You have freckles.” He said it like he was dreaming, like he was entranced by them.

“It’s not a great situation, but we all do what we have to in order to survive. I literally stole a house. Life is hard these days. Not everyone has a dream that can make a living. Besides, have you worked?”

“If that is what she thinks,” he began slowly, “then I’ve failed her as a husband, and I’ll spend every day attempting to make up for it.”

“I’ve never . . . you know, come for anyone else.” Sebastian blinked, and then he turned red. “That’s a shame. You’re beautiful when you do it.”

“And what if I told you that being happy is what I want for you?” I took a shaky breath. No one wanted me to be happy.

There was something so comforting about being silent with someone you liked. It wasn’t heavy or dull. It was peaceful and rewarding.

“Lily, you haunt my dreams,” he said. “When I close my eyes at night, I see you, dressed in whatever the fuck you want to be in, whatever weight you are at. Any time I see any curve of you, any amount of skin, I want to touch it, with my hands, with my tongue. I don’t care what. I want you.”

You guys seem so happy lately. It kind of makes me want to barf.” “Don’t you like romance novels?” “Yes, but I want to be the main character.”