Bartered Novels & Stories

“There would be nothing wrong with her helping Mark and his two children. What she did wrong was secretly using my property behind my back to take care of your entire family.” “Noah, how can you be so aggressive toward an elder?” Claire suddenly snapped at me in a low voice. I only found it more ridiculous. “Fine. I won’t ask him. I’ll ask you. “Why did you set the rent at three hundred? Was it so you could collude with Mark and maliciously occupy my property, or were you trying to imitate those ridiculous novels where one woman keeps two husbands?” A slap came down hard across my face. “What nonsense are you saying? Noah, how did you become like this?”

I have seen that take countless times. What is the catch? “But I only want one thing in return….. In return for your father’s freedom, I get to have you for a year as my pet.”

Jenifer said, and the other girls nodded They are 5 of them in the group now. Stephany, Jenifer, Alice, Amanda, and Gael. The bullies of the school. They do have the power because of their structure as handball players and stability. Moreover, they are rich and spoiled school kids. *In Raymond's classroom* "I tried that several times Bro and money keeps coming in catch," Jordan said "I told you. That's what I call American hustle" Raymond said "Wow! What are all talking about? Did I miss anything?" Chris said "You're just in time," Jordan said, and they kept talking of their businesses out of school.

"As expected of Mr. Campbell, you're good-spirited and have a broad mind. You're definitely someone who can achieve great things!" Walter eyed Ashton and smiled thinly. There was a mocking look on his face that Ashton could not decipher. Ashton continued, "Since you're this satisfied with the goods, I have a request, Mr. Campbell. How about we do this by barter instead? I'll provide you the goods, and you provide me with firearms and weapons. "I'll be honest with you. I'm being targeted as of late, so I urgently need your firearms. How could I provide you with such quality goods if my factory was raided?'"

and also “stay exactly as you are, it pleases me.” “Requisitions,” Mara says, crisp. “Wire, resin, arrowheads. And we’re still short on salt.” “We’ll barter with Hollowrock,” Ronan answers, voice even. Not gentle. Never gentle. “They’ve proven themselves to be true allies. I’d rather pay a bit more and know we’re getting what we pay for.” “Invar,” Mara prompts, because Invar loves hearing his own name. The elder clears his throat, all ceremony. “Trade with Cedarfen is reopened. Two carts a week if the snows hold.”

From the top of the stairs, I could see several men in black suits, documents spread across the table. Xavier was dressed casually, sitting among them and reviewing a document. I cleared my throat as I reached the bottom of the stairs, drawing their attention. “Good morning!” I said, and Xavier immediately rose to help me to a seat. “Good morning, wifey,” Xavier whispered in my ear, and the words resonated deep within me. “Greetings, Miss Sharon!” The men greeted me, and I couldn’t help but offer a slight bow. “Here, sign here!” Xavier whispered, pointing to the marriage agreement. I signed without hesitation.

"But fixing requires materials. Antibiotics. Titanium pins for the bone. Nanite gel for the organs. Expensive." "We have money," Ben Carter said, stepping up with his laptop. "I can transfer—" "Money?" The Tinker laughed, a sound like grinding gears. "I don't use credits. Banks freeze accounts. Governments collapse. Look at him..." He pointed at Jack. "He was a billionaire yesterday. Today, he is meat on my table. Money is a ghost." "Then what do you want?" Olivia asked. "Barter," the Tinker said. "Equivalent exchange."

A trade using herself as currency, a trade trampling her self-respect and dignity underfoot. “I’m not too greedy. I just need one year. Just protect me safely for one year, then we go our separate ways. I promise not to bother you for another second.” Aaron’s gaze swept over her body, his eyes cold as he assessed merchandise. He spoke with indifference, “You want my help? Then at least, show me your sincerity, shouldn’t you?” Zoe understood what he wanted. She slowly got out of bed, walked over, and knelt before him. Her slender, pale fingertips delicately touched the edge of his towel.

“You have grown old. Your skin sags with the weight of your mortality.” “You want something else, I see.” The one at the right, the most terrifying, says pointedly. “That is the problem with you mortals. You want and want until your wants consume you whole.” “But speak,” the one at the left says. “You know, as long as you can do the needed, we are always ready to assist.” Assist. Well, that is one word to put it. Makes them sound like charity workers. Lowers my status to one begging for help instead of what this really is. A bargain. They want something, I want another. We make an exchange. A trade by barter of sorts.

He was a big, burly man whom Elizabeth recognized as one of the thugs who had previously demanded she pay two hundred thousand dollars to settle her brother's gambling debts. ​"What do you want from us?" Elizabeth demanded. "We have settled the debts." ​"Oh, yes… yes, you have," he said in a low baritone voice, "but it's not enough. We both know you can do better." He closed the space between them, gripping her arm tightly. "We want you to do more, for both his sake and yours." ​His breath smelled of peppermint and whiskey. His gaze was fierce—the look of a man no one dared to cross.