The Bargainer Series Novels & Stories

Then: “Survival doesn’t expire in one year.” That landed heavier than I expected. He tapped the table once. A small sound. Still enough to make me focus. “You want separation,” he said. “Distance. Control of assets. An exit timeline.” I didn’t correct him. Because that was exactly what I wanted. At least… what I thought I wanted. Then he said something that changed the shape of the room. “You don’t understand what you’re negotiating with.” My spine tightened. “I understand enough.” A faint look passed over him.

"Not yet. Not until we're settled in Ravenwood." "Charles, what have you done?" Mother's voice carried a note of desperation I'd never heard from her before. "What kind of bargain did you make?" "The only kind I could," Father replied. "The kind that keeps us alive." Alive. Not comfortable, not secure—alive. As if our very survival had been in question. "And Catherine?" Mother asked. "What does this mean for Catherine?" The silence that followed was answer enough. Whatever Father had promised, whatever bargain he'd struck, it centered on me. I was the currency he'd used to purchase our temporary salvation.

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.

'' The room grew quiet and from the corner of my eyes, I saw Dominic raise his brows. I tilted my head slightly. ''Your own terms?'' ''Yes.'' She sated simply. She reached into the bag without hesitation, drew out a piece of paper and leaned forward, pushing it to the edge of my desk. ''Á marriage contract.'' She said. ''With my rules. I refuse to become a bargain for a debt. If you agree to the terms, I stay for eight months and pay up every single coin he owed you and if you refuse..'' she paused, looking into my eyes more intently.

I know I shouldn't be saying this in my state but this man is gorgeous, and, aside from the fact that he was handsome, he also had this look of arrogance as he glanced at his watch every second like he had no time to waste here. He walked in slowly and stood behind the door. "Who..who are you?" I asked awakening myself from the lustful thoughts I have of him already. He took a glance at the paper in his hands and then moved closer to me. "Hazel Carter..." He called, his voice sounding so deep. I listened attentively and waited for him to complete his sentence. "I am here to propose a deal. I'll pay all the expenses for your surgery, and give you an additional five hundred thousand dollars if

"Well, I want Daddy to lose his restraint." A soft knock on the door interrupted our little conversation, and I raised my brows at her, signalling that everything I had just said was true. "Come in," I responded, and Clark entered, holding some documents. "The Orizano document, Boss." He said, handing me the files, as Alyena stood up from my already-erect leg. "Hmm, yummy." She winked as she made her comment. "When I am done, Clark, we will have this conversation."

Tony's hand rested on my shoulder and I subtly brushed it off. “I want you to give your best for her, now what are we starting with?” Hands shot up, prices ringing from every corner of the room. “One hundred dollars.” “Two hundred!” “Three hundred dollars!” I gritted my teeth, stopping an eye-roll and forcing a smile as the bids climbed. “Come on gentlemen, is this the best you can do for my fine lady?” Tony was obviously enjoying this. He loves making a profit off of me. “Give me your best shot.” He charges the crowd.

I sighed and smiled. "Well, mom is such a strong woman, but yesterday, when we had all fun and happiness, she suddenly had a cardiac arrest. The doctor said that she needs surgery in Switzerland," I replied and looked outside the window to stop my tears from falling. "Uh... Do you want a bargain?" he asked and glanced at me, then grinned. I shook my head and looked at him baffled, "What bargain?" He stopped the car and bent close to me. I moved away because he was getting too close!

Racheal nodded, listening attentively. “So we learned quickly those who were willing to sell it for extra money to teenagers. They called these things other names. They were not fixed. If you knew what the bad guys in that place called their goods, you could walk to the bar and ask for cinnamon and be sold marijuana under the table. Cinnamon could be cigarettes too at the supermarket next door.” Racheal’s jaw dropped. “What do you think Bourbon meant here?” “I don’t know. Asad Achillie is here.” Jade said, looking into the rearview mirror.

"I can handle my problems." The bartender, who had been watching the exchange with interest, decided to intervene. "Hey, guys, why don't I get you another round?" she suggested, her voice friendly and neutral. James nodded, holding up his glass. "Yeah, sure. Another whiskey, please." Steve hesitated, “No need to worry; we've had more than enough, and we are very much okay for the night.”