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[auspakhomeloan]

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[mostlysignssomeportents]

Prison-tech company bribed jails to ban in-person visits

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me in BOSTON with Randall "XKCD" Munroe (Apr 11), then PROVIDENCE (Apr 12), and beyond!

Beware of geeks bearing gifts. When prison-tech companies started offering "free" tablets to America's vast army of prisoners, it set off alarm-bells for prison reform advocates – but not for the law-enforcement agencies that manage the great American carceral enterprise.

The pitch from these prison-tech companies was that they could cut the costs of locking people up while making jails and prisons safer. Hell, they'd even make life better for prisoners. And they'd do it for free!

These prison tablets would give every prisoner their own phone and their own video-conferencing terminal. They'd supply email, of course, and all the world's books, music, movies and games. Prisoners could maintain connections with the outside world, from family to continuing education. Sounds too good to be true, huh?

Here's the catch: all of these services are blisteringly expensive. Prisoners are accustomed to being gouged on phone calls – for years, prisons have done deals with private telcos that charge a fortune for prisoners' calls and split the take with prison administrators – but even by those standards, the calls you make on a tablet are still a ripoff.

Sure, there are some prisoners for whom money is no object – wealthy people who screwed up so bad they can't get bail and are stewing in a county lockup, along with the odd rich murderer or scammer serving a long bid. But most prisoners are poor. They start poor – the cops are more likely to arrest poor people than rich people, even for the same crime, and the poorer you are, the more likely you are to get convicted or be suckered into a plea bargain with a long sentence. State legislatures are easy to whip up into a froth about minimum sentences for shoplifters who steal $7 deodorant sticks, but they are wildly indifferent to the store owner's rampant wage-theft. Wage theft is by far the most costly form of property crime in America and it is almost entirely ignored:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/15/wage-theft-us-workers-employees

So America's prisons are heaving with its poorest citizens, and they're certainly not getting any richer while they're inside. While many prisoners hold jobs – prisoners produce $2b/year in goods and $9b/year in services – the average prison wage is $0.52/hour:

https://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2024/0324bowman.html

(In six states, prisoners get nothing; North Carolina law bans paying prisoners more than $1/day, the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly permits slavery – forced labor without pay – for prisoners.)

Likewise, prisoners' families are poor. They start poor – being poor is a strong correlate of being an American prisoner – and then one of their breadwinners is put behind bars, taking their income with them. The family savings go to paying a lawyer.

Prison-tech is a bet that these poor people, locked up and paid $1/day or less; or their families, deprived of an earner and in debt to a lawyer; will somehow come up with cash to pay $13 for a 20-minute phone call, $3 for an MP3, or double the Kindle price for an ebook.

How do you convince a prisoner earning $0.52/hour to spend $13 on a phone-call?

Well, for Securus and Viapath (AKA Global Tellink) – a pair of private equity backed prison monopolists who have swallowed nearly all their competitors – the answer was simple: they bribed prison officials to get rid of the prison phones.

Not just the phones, either: a pair of Michigan suits brought by the Civil Rights Corps accuse sheriffs and the state Department of Corrections of ending in-person visits in exchange for kickbacks from the money that prisoners' families would pay once the only way to reach their loved ones was over the "free" tablets:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/03/jails-banned-family-visits-to-make-more-money-on-video-calls-lawsuits-claim/

These two cases are just the tip of the iceberg; Civil Rights Corps says there are hundreds of jails and prisons where Securus and Viapath have struck similar corrupt bargains:

https://civilrightscorps.org/case/port-huron-michigan-right2hug/

And it's not just visits and calls. Prison-tech companies have convinced jails and prisons to eliminate mail and parcels. Letters to prisoners are scanned and delivered their tablets, at a price. Prisoners – and their loved ones – have to buy virtual "postage stamps" and pay one stamp per "page" of email. Scanned letters (say, hand-drawn birthday cards from your kids) cost several stamps:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/14/minnesota-nice/#shitty-technology-adoption-curve

Prisons and jails have also been convinced to eliminate their libraries and continuing education programs, and to get rid of TVs and recreational equipment. That way, prisoners will pay vastly inflated prices for streaming videos and DRM-locked music.

The icing on the cake? If the prison changes providers, all that data is wiped out – a prisoner serving decades of time will lose their music library, their kids' letters, the books they love. They can get some of that back – by working for $1/day – but the personal stuff? It's just gone.

Readers of my novels know all this. A prison-tech scam just like the one described in the Civil Rights Corps suits is at the center of my latest novel The Bezzle:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

Prison-tech has haunted me for years. At first, it was just the normal horror anyone with a shred of empathy would feel for prisoners and their families, captive customers for sadistic "businesses" that have figured out how to get the poorest, most desperate people in the country to make them billions. In the novel, I call prison-tech "a machine":

a million-­armed robot whose every limb was tipped with a needle that sank itself into a different place on prisoners and their families and drew out a few more cc’s of blood.

But over time, that furious empathy gave way to dread. Prisoners are at the bottom of the shitty technology adoption curve. They endure the technological torments that haven't yet been sanded down on their bodies, normalized enough to impose them on people with a little more privilege and agency. I'm a long way up the curve from prisoners, but while the shitty technology curve may grind slow, it grinds fine:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/24/gwb-rumsfeld-monsters/#bossware

The future isn't here, it's just not evenly distributed. Prisoners are the ultimate early adopters of the technology that the richest, most powerful, most sadistic people in the country's corporate board-rooms would like to force us all to use.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/02/captive-customers/#guillotine-watch

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[girllblogging777]

𝑆𝐿𝑌𝑇𝐻𝐸𝑅𝐼𝑁 𝐵𝑂𝑌𝑆 𝐻𝐸𝐴𝐷𝐶𝐴𝑁𝑂𝑁𝑆

↳ being friends with fem!reader

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

✩ the slytherin boys obviously have a lot of girl friends, but you’re the only one that managed to become a part of their friend group

✩ when you met draco and mattheo as a child, your parents both being from wealthy pureblood families, they immediately took you under their wing and introduced you to the others on your first day at hogwarts

✩ obviously it makes a lot of girls jealous of you at school, wondering what you had to do to become part of their inner circle. thanks merlin you’re confident and have them to protect you, because the rumours can be quite intense sometimes. “yeah, she’s probably good under the sheets and that’s why they keep her around”

✩ the most overprotective people ever. a random student could literally breathe near you and you’d need to convince the guys not to beat him up. “keep your eyes and hands off her if you wanna keep them, yeah ?”

✩ walk ‘em like a dog, girl. they’re your personal bodyguards and know better when it comes to saying “no” to you. everything you want from them, you get in a heartbeat. “yes ma’am”

✩ you also educate them when it comes to feminism and how to property treat a woman, since most of their mothers aren’t really there. now they try to act like gentlemen, knowing you’d kill them if you found out they didn’t treat a girl right. “yes, i didn’t let her walk back to her dorm alone. yes, i opened the door for her. flowers ? yeah, i bought her some”

✩ apart from acting like a mom 24/7, sometimes they’re the one taking care of you. they don’t really express their emotions with words but it shows through their actions. little acts of service like carrying your school bag, buying you your favourite snack from hogsmeade or taking care of you after parties.

✩ yes they’re all pretty fucked up, but when you all hang out together life isn’t so bad anymore. whether it’s chilling in the common room after classes, having a smoke in the courtyard or hanging out in the boys’ dorm, it’s always a good moment

✩ except when they take part in more boyish activities and you have to remind them that you’re a girl. “i don’t give two fucks about playing fight and video games, guys”. however, because of them you do play mario kart like a pro and know how to physically defend yourself if you ever get in trouble

✩ sometimes you’re the one teaching them things, like when you have a “girls night” with them and it ended up with you doing their skincare and trying to teach them how to do a full face makeup. enzo ends up having such pretty lashes with mascara that you get mad at him “what’s your lash routine ? what do you mean you don’t have one ?”

✩ they always come for you for dating advice, but when you do it’s a categorical no. “hey guys, so i’m going on this date tonight and-“ “what ? oh no you’re not” i swear they forget you’re their age sometimes (they think you don’t know how babies are made and all)

✩ none of them sees you as anything more than a sister, but if you do end up dating one of the boys then it’s quite literally the third world war. all of the others warn him “dude, we love you but if you hurt her you’re dead.”

✩ and then of course you earn a lot of teasing from everyone “so, are you two coming to movie night or have more important things to do ?” “please be careful, i don’t wanna be an uncle so soon”

✩ overall, despite their complex personalities and trauma, once you become a part of their lives i can assure you there’s no going back

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

a/n : got a bunch of requests for more slytherin boys headcanons so there you go ! please like, comment and reblog <3

@iris-qt @tateshifts @redeemingvillains @fluffycookies22 @larmesdevanille @reys-letters @moonlightreader649 @fbvreadingblog @shiftingwithmars @mattheosdior @deadghosy @yikesitslush @bellatrix-lestrange5 @jolly4holly @elsie-bells @helendeath @icantkeepmyplantsalive

[thewitchandtheassassin]

Honest (Agatha Harkness x Reader)

Summary: “Lady, I’m the manager and the only employee today. Get the hell out of my store.”

Words: 1070

Warnings: Language, suggestiveness??

A/N: I hate that lady and wish Rio had punted her into the sun. That's all.

-X-

From the moment you noticed the white-haired woman storming towards your counter, you knew you were in for a horrible interaction. Plastering a fake, cheerful smile, you greeted her.

“Good afternoon! Did you -”

“This place is a dump,” she hissed, slamming her goods onto the counter. “If my daughter was working in this place at your age, I would disown her. Are your parents proud of you?”

Blinking at her owlishly, you bristled with choked back fury. Truthfully, this wasn’t your normal job - nor was this your only job - but you were covering a shift for your mother, who’d taken your father to the hospital but couldn’t afford to close the small “mom and pop” shop. Being here was a favor, not your career, but some old, miserable bitch didn’t deserve your explanations and you weren’t going to dictate a dissertation of your life to a complete stranger.

“Do you need anything else?” you asked brusquely, scanning the few items before placing them in paper bags.

“Oh god, are you one of those hippies who forces paper over plastic? Get over it. Give me something that isn’t going to rip!” she hissed, digging out her wallet before her eyes go wide at the total. “With such horrible service, you’re still going to charge me that without some sort of compensation for my treatment? I’m certain you have some coupons or sale codes back there that you can use to fix your terrible mistakes. My god, do you need a roadmap?”

“H-horrible service? Ma’am, I…” you paused, looking at the stuff tucked into bags before shaking your head. You’d rather offer your parents money than accept this woman’s cash. “Get out.”

“I beg your pardon?” she sputtered, eyes narrowing in a manner you were certain she used to intimidate teenagers at the supermarket. “You can’t speak to me like this! I want your manager.”

Sliding the bags out of reach, you glared at her with unbridled disdain. “Lady, I’m the manager and the only employee today. Get the hell out of my store.”

“How dare you! I’ve been coming here for years! I’m good friends with the owner and when he hears about this…”

Your snort cut through her ramblings. “Oh, you know him, huh? Well, I’ll be sure to let my mother know her ‘good friend’ came in here acting like a rude, entitled, demented demon from the pits of hell instead of a civilized human being so that she knows to bar you from the shop. Anything else I can do for you before I call the sheriff - an actual good friend - to come escort you off the property?”

Mouth agape, you’d never seen a grown woman look so aghast before and truthfully, you didn’t give a shit. You weren’t some fresh-faced eighteen year old she could push around and bully.

Someone needed to tell her a thing or two and good news, you had the time and the attitude to do just that.

“I need those -“

Slamming your hand onto the counter, your smile grew unsettlingly wide. “Well, bless your heart, guess you better go find somewhere else to get ‘em, huh?”

-X-

After your interaction with the woman the day before, you had little interest in keeping the shop open for your mother another day, but as she tearfully explained she couldn’t return until the next morning, you swallowed your distaste and did as she asked.

“It’s one more day,” you mumbled to yourself, forehead resting in your hand as you sat on the lone stool. “Just one more day.”

You had nearly dozed off when the bell above the door signaled the arrival of your only patron so far. Glancing up, you greeted the dark-haired woman with a faint smile and wave.

“Howdy, how can I help you?”

The woman slid her sunglasses up to the top of her head, pursing her lips in an odd way that had you singling in on the softest looking mouth you’d ever seen. She was beautiful and mysterious and goddammit, you were so gay.

“Do you happen to know who was working yesterday?” she inquired, earning a slow brow arch.

“Yeah…” you drawled out slowly, carefully. “It was me.”

“Oh thank god, I’m glad you’re not some sad teenager who cried after she left,” she muttered, eyes locking on yours. “You had the unfortunate displeasure of speaking with my mother yesterday and I came to apologize. Not so much for her sake, but for my own because your shop sells fabulous face care products I can’t get anywhere else in this godforsaken town and I do not want to end up banned from here.”

Blinking slowly, you nodded after a moment. “Uh, yeah, no, you’re fine. I never woulda guessed she was your mother. She always like that?”

“Cantankerous and miserable? Yes. Has been my whole life.”

“Christ, I feel bad for you,” you blurted, eyes widening instantly as she began to cackle. “Uh, sorry, that was supposed to stay in my head.”

Her lips curled into a wicked smile and it left your insides full of butterflies.

“I like a girl who’s honest,” she teased, offering a hand. “Agatha Harkness.”

You shook her hand, marveling in the smooth skin as you absently gave your name in return. You couldn’t help the way your eyes drifted to her lips before fluttering back up to her gaze.

“I saw that little glance - you’re not as sneaky as you think,” Agatha purred, delighting in the warmth that flooded your cheeks. “What time do you get off… work?”

Glancing at the clock, 5:23 stared back at you tauntingly. The place had been dead all day and at this point, you were just wasting electricity.

Throwing caution to the wind, you shrugged, smirking at Agatha conspiratorially. “Right now if someone gives me a good enough reason.”

“How about you buy me a drink as an apology for my horrible childhood and if it goes well, maybe I’ll find a way to thoroughly apologize for all the trouble you went through yesterday?”

The sparkle in her eye and the way she stared at your lips pointedly for a moment left your heart racing, beating like horse hooves against your ribs. You were nodding before you even realized it, running through your mental checklist for closing the store.

“Give me ten minutes.”

-X-

You closed it in six.

[fleet-of-fiction]

Jake Kiszka // OC

Summary: The year is 1820. Jacob Thomas is the second born son of the Polish-American Kiszka family who have recently bought property in England. The affluent family have caused a stir in the old aristocratic London social circles after purchasing Belvoir Hall. A country estate which once belonged to the Hanover family. After the death of Sir Oliver Hanover, his debts too many to count, ashamed and disgraced his widow and two daughters move to live with their Aunt at nearby Ivy Grange, a small manor on the Kent border. After returning to recover some personal items, Eleanor Hanover catches the eye of the flirtatious second son. (All locations are fictional)

Warnings: Loss of virginity. All the usual foreplay shenanigans and sexual descriptions you have come to expect from the erotic corners of my mind. Nothing too nefarious. Just delicious regency era raunch.

Jacob was ascending the stairs when the bell began to chime. He turned, curiously, as the chamber maid appeared at the foot of the staircase to greet whomever stood on the other side of the door.

"Who is it, Kitty?" He asked, his boots making low thrums on the stone floored lobby of Belvoir Hall.

"It's Lady Eleanor, Sir." Kitty replied, standing aside so that Jacob could get a good look at her.

Immediately, he was amused by her. As was his nature. To stand there with an egregious grin that was neither comfort nor welcome. His long, dark hair surpassing his shoulders against a white linen shirt that was unseasonably open to his bare chest.

He liked the way her eyes were immediately drawn to his flesh. A small flush appearing in the apples of her cheeks as she lifted her gloved hand to cover her astonished mouth.

"Lady Eleanor." He said curtly, in the American drawl that had been talked about at great length between Eleanor and her friends. "What can I do for you?"

She was a bold thing, he noticed. Clearing her throat before gathering a stand-offish demeanour about her. Turning, ever so slightly, to ensure that her escort was still standing by the waiting carriage behind her.

"Would it be possible to speak with..." She faltered on the correct title,"...Mrs.Kiszka, please?"

Jacob's lips parted as he continued to smile. Enjoying the way she fiddled with her tiny little clutch bag, flustered and pained by his arrogance.

"My apologies Lady Eleanor, but my Mother is currently indisposed. May I be of service to you?" He said it with an edge of insincerity, as if the service he wished to provide her might not be the one she so desired.

Straightening up, she placed a hand to the edge of her bonnet. Careful to ensure her pretty, dark curls were still in place. His eyes followed the movement of her fingers.

"As I understand it, your Mother and Father procured much of our substantial library in the sale of our house." She managed to say, keeping her voice plain and steady, not wanting to give him any indication that she was completely intimidated. "There are a few titles which are dear to my heart and I have come to appeal to their good nature and ask that I may reclaim those books."

He was young and foolish. Never too enamoured with a girl to ask for her hand in marriage, but often interested enough to play with her heart until he was bored of it. Since arriving in England, the rogue in him had been left untamed.

The way he leaned against the door frame, his shirt unbuttoned, was making her uncomfortable. But still, he did not move to properly attire himself. He did not cease in his relentlessness to bribe a coarse word from her lips.

"I see no reason as to why you may not have what you desire." He said sardonically, opening the door a little wider. "Kitty, please show Lady Eleanor to the library."

There was a little hesitation as she approached the door. His arm slowly moving out of her way, his smile never once leaving his face as he watched her enter. Knowing her way to the library but following the servant obediently, she dared to glance back at him standing there as she turned the corner.

Kitty had also been part of the house sale. Similar in age to Eleanor, she had grown up playing in the endless corridors and secret rooms which littered the top floors of the manor. Taking her position as chamber maid on her fourteenth birthday. No longer Eleanor's playmate. It had made little difference, the two of them remaining friends in the convening years.

As the library door closed, Eleanor fell into her friend's excitement. Kitty, unable to retain her sense of propriety, embraced her old friend tightly, giggling as they both enjoyed a sweet reunion.

"Oh, Kitty! I have missed you!" She exclaimed, looking around the old room to happily notice that nothing had changed. "I feel as if I have come home."

Kitty smiled bittersweetly. "Oh, my Lady... the place hasn't been the same since you left. I dare say everything looks as it once did, but it's a different Belvoir Hall these days."

Grasping her hands tightly, Eleanor lead her friend over to the leather couch that centred the walls of book shelves. A table and a lamp that had once belonged to her Father sitting idly at the side. This room had been her absolute favourite. A quiet place to contemplate.

"You must tell me everything, Kitty! Mother has been dying for news over at Ivy Grange. She mulls over it day and night, how we lost Belvoir and everything within it. She's melancholy, I tell you. Simply ghastly. Aunt Helen has been at her wits end. Give me something I may take back for her that may make her smile, wont you?"

Kitty's eyes moved towards the door, afraid to speak ill of her new masters. Leaning in so that her whispers did not travel beyond her dear friend's ear.

"It's their children, my Lady!" Kitty said spritely, cupping a hand around her mouth. "The master and his wife, they are nice enough people. Came here because of a population boom, as they explained it, returning to their European roots. Although I was lead to believe they are Polish? I don't think they speak Polish. Anyway, their children are a different matter. The eldest one, Joshua, he is an odd creature if ever I saw one. Keeps to himself mainly. Rather studious and contemplative. He likes a drink though, and to converse with any who will listen after a few sips. The one who greeted you at the door, that's his younger twin. By five minutes as I understand it. He and their younger brother are tyrants. Jacob and Samuel. I have seen the youngest one with his hand up a few skirts, many a time. You remember Bessy? Your Father took her on just before he died. She did not stand a chance. He's had her up against the wall almost every night since they arrived. And Jacob? His tastes seem a little more sophisticated. But I've heard tale that he has refused to marry. The young girl, Veronica, she's been sent to a school somewhere up north. She was here all of a week before she was gone."

Their conspiring was etched all over their faces as the door clicked and opened. Kitty unceremoniously jumped up from the couch, flattening out her pinafore and hair as Jacob strode in with all the confidence of a man who knew his place.

"Leave us." He said, lowering his voice and his gaze.

Eleanor raised a protesting hand. "If it is all the same to you, good Sir, my escort is waiting outside and as a guest I am certain you must provide me with one whilst I am within."

The corner of his mouth turned upward. "As you wish."

Kitty stood with her back to the door. Her eyes firmly set on the window, overlooking the gardens outside. Fingers knotted together at her front, as she had been taught to stand whenever attending a room. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jacob take a seat on the opposite end of the couch. Certain he was being far too bold.

"You are welcome here any time, Lady Eleanor." He said smoothly, crossing his leg across his lap. "It must still feel like your home."

The kindness with which he spoke took her by surprise. His insincerity and arrogance were still bubbling beneath a veneer of charm, his arm outstretched towards her on the back of the couch. She noted the way he looked at her, without a hint of propriety.

The flush within her cheeks began to resonate between her thighs. The fabric of her petticoat becoming uncomfortable. Her corset feeling as if it might constrict her chest into breaths she could barely take in. The sensation washing over her completely unwanted, leaving her desperate to flee.

"You're very kind, Sir..." She began, trying to remain composed.

"Call me Jacob, I insist." He replied before she could finish, a subtle waves of his hand revealing the silver lines of an old scar running up his forearm.

"Jacob." She uttered, the name spilling out of her mouth like spun silk.

He liked the way it sounded on her lips. Admiring her budded peaks and poised demeanour as she sat bolt upright with her hands within her lap. Her attempt to hide her rosy cheeks beneath the rim of her bonnet made him eager to cup her chin within his hand and lift her gaze to meet him.

"You are not yet married, Lady Eleanor?" He asked, shooting a disparaging look towards Kitty, "May I be so bold as to ask why a beautiful woman such as yourself has not yet accepted the many proposals I am sure you have received?"

Kitty could feel his eyes burning into her. Her mouth was set in a thin line, biting back the urge to speak ill of her masters son.

"You may not." Eleanor replied, " I am here to collect my books, nothing more."

He noted the thin line transform into a triumphant smile on Kitty's face.

"Very well." He allowed, swiftly moving away from the couch. "Pick out your beloved books and I will have them sent to you as I'm certain there will be many."

There was a hint of reproach as he took his leave. Eleanor felt the wind leave her lungs as he closed the door behind him. The interaction so brief, so inconsequential. Had she imagined the way he had looked at her?

"Careful there, my Lady." Kitty warned, "He's a tyrant, remember?"

Ivy Grange was much smaller, less grandiose than Belvoir. It had taken Eleanor several weeks to acclimatise herself to the surroundings. Where once there had been a full service staff of housekeepers and groundsmen, stable hands and game keepers there was now only a handful of people to keep the land and rooms. It still felt somewhat shameful. To have lost everything so suddenly and to see another in the place where you once stood.

For days after returning from Belvoir, Eleanor did not feel quite herself. Taking air in the garden and keeping herself occupied with the piano in the day parlour. It had felt strange to be a guest when it still felt like her home. But it wasn't that which kept her unsettled.

As she strolled around the rose bushes, taking in their scent and admiring their soft, round pink petals she was reminded of that symbiotic stare. His arrogance and his kindness at war with one another. He was an enigma, she had decided, as she studied the rose stems.

Why did he come into her mind so vividly and so uninvited? She found herself irritated with all the thoughts which had plagued her. Wondering if he had meant to steal from her the emotions she had felt that day. Is this what tyrants did?

"Ellie?! Oh, Ellie... where are you?! Must you always be where I can't find you?!"

The voice chimed over the mid spring breeze. The child like call of Elizabeth Hanover, Eleanor's younger sister.

"I am here!" Eleanor called back, lifting her head to be seen over the pink and green. "What has got you all excited?!"

At fifteen years old, she was entirely the opposite of her sister. Eleanor was only bold because she feared the interrogation of being asked why she had not yet married. Elizabeth was still young enough to enjoy not being asked that question. Still full of hope and wonder. Eleanor had no desire to marry a man who would no doubt drink himself into a stupor every night and gamble away their wealth. Sir Oliver Hanover had much to answer for when it came to his eldest daughter.

"Oh, Ellie! There's a Gentleman come to call for you. He's ever so handsome! He's American, with that long hair. And he has asked to speak with your directly. Ellie...is he one of those Kiszka's that moved into Belvoir?"

Eleanor could see that her sister had been instantly charmed. She placed a loving hand on the cool, flushed cheek of her little sister. Her eyes looking up expectantly.

"I expect so, yes." She replied, looking up over the lawn towards the house. "He greeted me when I visited the other day."

Elizabeth clasped her hands together. "Which one? The youngest one? I have heard he is terribly handsome. And the man at the door was terribly handsome..."

"Lilibet, please." Eleanor said, stroking the cheek slowly. "Calm yourself down. They're just silly boys."

"You always say that." Elizabeth replied, feeling the excitement drain from her, "He's speaking with Mother. And I don't think he's a silly boy at all. I think I would be greatly flattered if one of them were to call for me."

Of course, it was Jacob. Under the guise of returning the books she had chosen from the library. A chest full of them stood at the foot of the door, a look of absolute satisfaction on his face.

Eleanor's Mother, Lady Anne Hanover, had already agreed to Jacob escorting her eldest daughter on a stroll around the gardens whilst the books were placed in the smaller library at Ivy Grange. A look of consternation was exchanged between Mother and daughter before Eleanor invited him out into the warm spring sunshine.

"I did not mean to cause offence to you the other day, Lady Eleanor." He began, following her lead down the path which meandered down from the back of the house. "I'm sure you are aware that I, too, am as yet unmarried and grow weary at being questioned."

Eleanor politely nodded. "There was no offence, caused. Sir...I beg your pardon, Jacob."

There it was again. That smile as she spoke his name. His entire body turned to face her. Still amused by her. Still charmingly arrogant.

"I dare say our parents were hoping a change of location would bring about some changes in our marital statuses. As yet, none of my siblings are betrothed. Although they hope that my sister will return from her schooling up north with news of a proposal."

Eleanor could feel that tightness in her corset again, that familiar ache in her stomach. She stopped to admire the flowers.

"May I ask why you have called upon me like this, Jacob? It seems to me that you have no desire to marry and courtship would be far too much of a commitment for you. Because, as you can see, I have no desire to be courted."

"Is that so?" He replied earnestly, gesturing for her to lead them further down the path. "I had wondered if Kitty had filled your head with nonsense about me and it appears that I was right."

She dared to look at him directly. The sun beating down behind him, forcing her to raise a hand against her eyes. She noted the details of his face for the first time. The sensual way his mouth moved, the tip of his tongue moistening his lips. A tiny mole on his cheek and a little upturn of his nose at the tip.

"Where did you get that scar on your arm?" She asked, deciding that she was going to humour him.

He was quite taken aback, but did not hesitate in his response.

"When I was a child my brother and I were having a disagreement. He thought it could be resolved with fists and so we fought. I ended up with my fist cutting through a glass cabinet that had belong to my Grandfather and the result was the opening of my arm." He traced the silver line with a curious fingertip. "Joshua saw the blood and immediately ran to fetch our Mother, who promptly fainted at the sight of it. I don't think either of us can remember what the disagreement was about."

Eleanor nodded and proceeded to guide him into the seclusion of the pond which sat behind a row of beeches. The lily pads were in full bloom and the fish scuttled up to the surface as their reflections appeared on the rippled surface.

"Am I to believe that you are not the tyrant I have been informed of?" She asked pertinently. "Is that why you have come here? To ensure that the stories which proceed you are not to be believed?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I would be interested to hear which stories are circulating. My Father intends to host a party in the coming weeks. To formally greet everyone and make their proper acquaintance. I'm sure you will receive your invitation shortly, but I would hate to be stuck in a room full of people who think me a tyrant."

The wind picked up. Pulling a curl from Eleanor's head. He took note of it immediately, reaching to push it back from her face. She did not flinch from the touch as he thought she might. There, at the side of the pond, they were completely alone and unescorted. Jacob sensed a shift in her manner with him.

"Only that you and your younger brother have had your fill of the women around here in such a short space of time. With no regard for their honour." She said curtly, with no regard for his feelings, eager to see if he would respond graciously.

He was no longer amused. No longer arrogant, even.

"I cannot speak for Samuel. He is younger than I am. Likely his behaviour will catch up to him if he is not careful." He sighed then, almost as if it grieved him. "My only wish is to find a girl who will run free with me."

Yes, he was a rogue. But he was no tyrant. She peered into his soft eyes and saw all the promise of a man who couldn't exist within the walls expected of him. Walls that had kept her, too, caged like a wild animal for others to spectate.

"Why is it that you carry yourself so arrogantly?" She dared to ask. "You do yourself no favours."

There was an errant smirk there on that beautiful mouth.

"Better to be thought of as something that I am not, than something I am failing at being."

Eleanor could not deny that she was intrigued by him. If she had ever been intimidated, it fell by the wayside as she watched him gently fan away a bee that came to buzz around their heads. Ordinarily, she would have panicked and swatted it away herself. But she could not keep her eyes off him.

"What, precisely, might you be failing at being?" She probed further.

"Romantic." He replied stoically.

There was a change in direction of the breeze. It brought about that curl from behind her ear. He would have trespassed a kiss, but the hour was growing late. Instead, he positioned that curl back behind her ear, his hand lingering a little longer at her face.

"I think it would be remiss of me to say that you are not without romance, Jacob." She said, almost breathlessly. "But I fail to see how any of that has anything to do with me."

He almost laughed. A low, breathy mocking sound that hurt her feelings.

"You are not blind, Lady Eleanor. Nor are you stupid." He said then, all the laughter fading. "You do well to be careful with me, I am but a man. And though I strive to do better, it is true that I have known my share of women."

"Perhaps you are tyrant after all." She said quietly, her eyes falling listlessly to his lips. "Perhaps I have need of one."

As the carriage pulled up outside Belvoir Hall, Eleanor Hanover smoothed out her emerald green dress. Adorned with lace at the neck and wrists, she checked her reflection in the carriage door window and admired the warm, welcoming lights resonating from her former home.

London society was buzzing with excitement for the first formal occasion hosted by the mysterious new American family. There was no mistaking that they were new money. Mr. and Mrs. Kiszka, without any further titles, welcomed Lords and Ladies to their sprawling home with all the uncertainty that came with being new money. But money they had, in abundance.

It was clear to see as Eleanor stepped into the ballroom. Adorned with silk flowers which hung ostentatiously from the ceiling and climbed in vines down the staircase. A string quartet were playing lively music in the corner while the waiting staff mingled with silver trays of champagne.

Aunt Helen was the first to make a comment on the choice of flowers. Lady Ann agreeing with her most excitedly as they tried to pick the place apart and make it appear that they were happy to attend a party in the place they had once called home.

"Where do you suppose the sons are?" Elizabeth asked, scanning the room for handsome young men.

Aunt Helen, although old and dithering, placed a firm hand on the young girls shoulder. "Now, now, Lilibet. Have a care for your reputation."

The young girl rolled her eyes. "It's a party, Aunt Helen. Am I not allowed a little fun?"

"Fun you may have." The old woman replied sourly, "Dance if you wish. But stay away from those Kiszka boys, I have heard... things."

It didn't take long for their arrival to make heads turn. People gathering to ask how they felt in their old home, being hosted as guests. Eleanor took her opportunity to step back from the fray, smiling and nodding as she took a glass of champagne.

Parties had never sat well with her. The meaningless cycle of mind numbing chat and gossip. The judgements of those attending, pretending to like their neighbours whilst talking ill of them behind their backs. People getting far too drunk for their senses. The music and the joy which came from that was the only reason she attended. But tonight there had been another reason.

"That's Joshua Kiszka on the fiddle." Elizabeth announced, inexplicably coming forth with information she couldn't possibly have procured so quickly. "Look at him, Ellie! Isn't he dreamy?!"

Eleanor looked over the where the quartet were playing. A small, curly haired man playing a wistful tune.

"That man is twenty six years old, Lilibet. There is to be no more say on how he is dreamy." She scolded, watching her sister skulk off with her excitement yet again dulled.

Jacob was sitting quietly in the darkest corner of the room, beneath the staircase where he could watch the party unfold without engaging himself within it. He watched Eleanor arrive, keeping a close eye as she looked for him. Distracted by her sister's incessant wants, he found himself intrigued by the way she took herself to the edge of the room to spectate, in much the same manner he was.

His desire to make his presence known was quelled by the eyes he knew would be watching. To approach her in this room would have drawn unwanted attention. As he rose from his seat, he slowly made his way through the crowd. Nodding his head in greeting to those who raised their glasses. His eyes firmly set on Eleanor.

When she reciprocated his gaze, it was as if the music had stopped. She understood completely what was expected of her. The room fell silent to him, her shape was all he could see. He silently begged her to leave with him. From across the room.

"Lilibet." She said, leaning in to her crestfallen sister. "Do you think our rooms have been slept in by one of the boys?"

Oh, she was evil. To use her sister to such an end. But as Jacob ascended the stairs, his eyes reaching back to call her to him, she knew there was no other way to slip out unnoticed.

Elizabeth, predictably excited by the prospect of going to investigate, knew that she was being watched.

"Why don't you keep Mother and Aunt Helen occupied whilst I go and have a look? I can report back."

The idea was not without it's rewards. Elizabeth mulled it over for the briefest of moments before sidling off to keep her Mother and Aunt's attention.

Whatever madness was coursing through her veins in that moment, she heeded it. The candlelit corridor at the top of the stairs was where he waited for her. His shirt unbuttoned in the way it had been that first day she had returned to Belvoir. His hair cascading over his shoulders.

He picked up a candlestick and began walking down the corridor, Eleanor following his silent instruction. He halted at the door of her old room.

"This was yours, wasn't it?" He correctly predicted.

She nodded prophetically. "I suppose it is yours now."

His smile danced in the light of the candle. He opened the door and allowed her to slip beneath his arm, the light of the moon outside flooding in through the open window. He watched her run to the glass, placing her palm flat against it as she looked out over the gardens.

"You look exceptionally beautiful tonight, Lady Eleanor." He said, placing the candle down on the dresser by the door.

She watched him in the reflection of the window. Standing there like a ghost. Her heart fluttering wildly against her corset strings. He looked dangerous standing there like that.

"Thankyou." She swallowed, "You look rather dapper yourself, Sir."

She thought he might correct her, but to her surprise he didn't. He liked being called Sir. He had been called it more often of late. Drawing from it a need to hear it outside the realms of propriety.

"Why did you come up here, my Lady?" He asked, taking the buckle of his belt firmly into his hand. "I do not plan on being an honourable man."

"I know." She breathed, turning to face him in the flickering light of the candle flame. "I did not follow you to be honoured."

His breath ceased. If his expectation had been to steal a kiss, he began to wonder if she would allow him more.

The four poster bed was unchanged. Eleanor had spent many nights in those sheets alone, wondering what it might feel like to have a man at her side. As she glanced over at the bed frame, a flash of something emerged in Jacob's eyes.

"I must confess that I have been completely at your mercy since the moment I laid eyes upon you." His confession came unbound, unlooping the belt savagely from his waist.

Eleanor thought back to that day far more often than she cared to admit. He had ignited within her something which had been dormant. Perhaps opening an answer as to why she was yet to marry. In truth, all the men who had ever asked her had bored her to tears. Not once having elicited from her the visceral reaction in her core that Jacob had with one, fleeting glance.

"Would I be right in thinking that whatever may transpire here tonight, you have thought about it often?" She asked, noticing in the dull light the way his jaw was clenched tight.

"A fair warning to you, Lady Eleanor. If you have yet to know a man's touch. Let it be known before I lose control of myself."

He placed his belt down on the dresser slowly. Never breaking the way he stared at her.

There was a real sense of fear permeating from her in that moment. A kiss or two had been stolen by former suitors. One of them had even managed to draw her into a moment of feverish petting that had been interrupted at the precise moment Eleanor had come to her senses about the stupid boy. But nothing more.

"What kind of woman do you take me for?" She asked, knowing full well the sort of woman she was. " You are well aware that I am unmarried."

"Unmarried women do not always walk through life without carnal knowledge." He surmised, taking a step towards her.

He would have taken strides to cross the room and taken her into his arms without further question were it not for the door opening behind him.

The candlestick that entered first causing Lady Eleanor to retreat back towards the window. The hand which gripped it tightly belonging to her friend, Lady Jane Corbett.

Jacob, in his haste to remove her, caught her in a delirious grip. The hand that reached out to strike him landing in an iron grip around her wrist that would surely leave a mark.

"You brute!!!" She screamed, throwing the candlestick down onto the wooden panelled floor. "I knew you were a fiend!"

He stomped the flame out. Eleanor stood watching in horror as the poor girl was tackled on to the bed. His hand pressed firmly against her mouth lest her screams alert others to the predicament.

"Have you lost your damn mind, girl?!"

It appeared that she had. Eleanor had known Lady Jane all her life. The two of them navigating the same social circles that their Fathers expected them to find suitable husbands within. Coming of age in the same month. Confiding in each other their distaste for all the eligible men who had come forward.

"Release her, immediately!" Eleanor flared, coming to her senses as she realised how harshly he had dealt with her.

He did as he was bade. Stepping away from the crying girl with his palms in the air. Defeat etched across his distraught face.

"I only meant to calm her, Lady Eleanor. You see how distressed she is."

"Indeed I do." Eleanor agreed, helping her friend to rise. "And what is the cause of this distress?"

"I am." He replied solemnly.

"Be more specific." She added, wiping the tears that fell down Lady Janes cheeks.

Jane, certain she had behaved foolishly as she began to sober, looked up at the kindness being shown to her and regretted her decision to follow them.

Jacob had been all that she could think of. Consumed entirely by him. She had been his first conquest after arriving at Belvoir a month ago. Inconsequential to him. A mere plaything. Regretfully rebuffing her repeated advances thereafter.

Lady Jane was a creature of habit. And he had drawn from her a habit she ached to have more of. But she was not pretty in the way that Eleanor was. Nor as interesting. Jacobs desire towards her waning almost the instant he had kissed her.

For that was all it had been. One kiss. In the day parlour downstairs after the Corbett family had been the first to win the race to welcome the new owners of the largest estate in the county. And it had driven the poor girl mad.

"Lady Jane, I meant you no harm." Jacob said softly, with the most kindness Eleanor had seen him muster. "But this has to stop. I have no intention towards you."

She was limp in Eleanor's arms. "There was an intention towards me the day you kissed me..."

It was all to much for her. The champagne and the music and the crushing realisation that Jacob had never wanted her. Turning to Eleanor, sinking her head into her open arms, she was lead back out into the corridor.

"Come along, Janey... let's find your Mammar and Pappar and see that you get yourself home." Eleanor coddled, striking Jacob with the most venomous stare.

He was still catching his breath. "I mean to have you, one way or another."

She caught his scent as she escorted her friend out. His words echoing as she left him stood there. Returning to the party felt like an unfinished symphony. The evening playing out much as she had imagined it would.

Lord Corbett bundled his daughter into their carriage and apologised for her demeanour. There was much talk of her drunkenness in whispers thereafter. For Eleanor it felt as if she had embarked on a journey she'd had no desire to travel. Her eyes moving towards the staircase as Jacob watched her from his elevated position.

Perhaps he was both charming tyrant and the man she had always needed. Her attention was solely transfixed on him. It didn't even matter that her friend had been broken by him. She knew she was willing to enter into whatever this was by any means necessary. What was disturbed that night would remain alight until the next opportunity, she was sure of it.

Midnight was fast approaching when he finally descended. Passing through the remaining guests, ever watchful of her. Greeting his younger brother, who was decidedly drunk enough to have abandoned his shoes somewhere. Elizabeth was asking far too many questions, the inane babble of the older women forcing Eleanor to address them just so that she didn't have to listen to it any longer.

"Yes, Lilibet. I think that one of them has taken over the use of my old room." She sighed, "How strange to think what was once ours is now theirs."

"I'm tired." The young girl complained, "You were gone for so long I got terribly bored and haven't stopped dancing all night. My feet hurt."

"Well, perhaps we should do as our hosts do and remove our shoes." She suggested, "And then I will suggest to Mother that we go home, how does that sound?"

"Yes." She agreed, resting her head diligently on her sister's shoulders. "I've had quite enough for one evening."

"As have I." Eleanor whispered. "As have I..."

When Samuel Kiszka had come calling for Elizabeth she had pouted for days that she had not been allowed to receive him. The rebuff had been taken personally with the Kiszka's making a hasty visit to Ivy Grange to enquire as to why their son was not good enough for the young Lady.

Elizabeth's 16th birthday was fast approaching. All her romantic notions seemed to burn a wildfire once she realised Samuel was interested in her. Insufferable, almost. Amongst the chaos of it all there was was no Gentleman callers at the door for Eleanor, and she began to feel as if she should have trusted her initial instinct about Jacob.

Mr. and Mrs. Kiszka were homely people. They had known struggle. Their position was not yet secured in society simply because they had purchased Belvoir Hall. They seemed to understand this as they sat, nervously, in the day parlour with Aunt Helen and Lady Anne.

"You understand our position, do you not?" Aunt Helen asked, offering them some more tea, even though they had already drunk more than one cup. "Elizabeth is not yet sixteen until the week after next and we cannot have suitors arriving before that time."

It was a fair excuse. One that made little sense. Eleanor had been forced to receive suitors well before she had turned sixteen and now that she was closer to twenty it appeared that there was one person she wished would call for her, after all.

"Well now, we had hoped that our son would pick wisely." Mrs. Kiszka explained, her accent slightly off-putting to the older women. "Lord knows, he needs himself a good wife. And I can assure you, if she picks Samuel, she will be able to return to Belvoir and will want for nothing."

"Be that as it may." Aunt Helen interjected, "Wealth and power are all very good but what is any of that without a title?"

Mr. Kiszka shuffled in his seat. "It seems to me that young Lady Elizabeth is sweet on our boy. And he seems to feel the same, should we not let the young ones decide?"

Aunt Helen was not perturbed in the slightest. "She's a flighty young thing. In love with love. It shall pass, I dare say."

Eleanor was seated by the piano, her nose in a book. Trying to keep herself from entering into the debate as she raged inwardly at Jacob's absence.

"In any case, he's the only one of our sons that has shown an interest in marriage. Our eldest boys are perpetual bachelors." Mrs.Kisza revealed, causing Eleanor to look up from her book. "They have both returned to Michigan to complete some business on behalf of their Father. We don't expect miracles, but if one of them should bring a wife back that would be one less worry."

Aunt Helen raised her cup for more tea to be poured. "And when do you expect them to return?"

"Next month." Mrs.Kiszka replied, her words ripping through Eleanor with such force, she audibly whined.

It drew their attention.

"Whatever is the matter, girl?" Aunt Helen asked, visibly troubled by the sound.

Eleanor put her book down and made her excuses.

"Forgive me, I do not feel quite well..."

It transpired that a month felt unrelenting when the heart was longing for something. He was her twin flame. A scoundrel that was on the same footing as she. She wanted him to ruin her, to love her so passionately that there would never be a parting such as this between them ever again. As the days rolled by, Eleanor found herself in a state of constant melancholy. Frustrated with herself for allowing such a thing to happen.

Elizabeth's birthday arrived with such fanfare that it felt to Eleanor as if she had been asleep for a very long time and had been forced to wake up for the occasion. Her heart was set on marrying Samuel. Who wanted her simply for her status and purity. He would take great delight in that on their wedding night. Which made Eleanor want to burn down Belvoir Hall, with all the damn Kiszka's inside it.

"Why am I not allowed to be in love?" Elizabeth asked, on the morning of her birthday, sitting in the day parlour eating breakfast opposite her sister.

"What a stupid thing to say." Eleanor replied, "Of course you're allowed to be in love."

She watched as Elizabeth spooned a heap of jam onto her bread. Spreading it thickly across the wedge before shoving it into her mouth with little decorum.

"I'm not allowed to be in love with Samuel Kiszka." She added, chewing at the same time. "But you're allowed to be in love with Jacob. I do not find that fair."

Eleanor's head shot up. Her appetite completely withdrawn.

"I am not in love with Jacob Kiszka." She said pointedly, pushing her plate aside.

Throwing her a knowing look, Elizabeth rose from the table and brushed off the crumbs from her dress.

"I'm going to marry Samuel. And you're going to marry Jacob. And we're both going home to Belvoir. And there really isn't much you can do about it." She stated, skulking off to enjoy the rest of her birthday without Eleanor's incessant brooding.

Jacob hadn't known how he would feel upon his early return. The rolling hills of the Kent countryside filling him with a sense of serenity as the carriage rumbled on from the port at Liverpool. Sat opposite his twin and the bride he had brought with him that would surely make their Mother so happy that his absence would be barely noted if he jumped out and walked the rest of the way to Ivy Grange.

The mid summer heat was intense that day. So warm that he threw his coat over his shoulder as he disembarked. The crossroads that lead to Ivy Grange stretched out in the opposite direction of the road to Belvoir Hall.

"Tell Ma I'll be home later." He called, watching the carriage roll on without him.

With the sun beating down so fiercely, Eleanor took refuge in the conservatory. The glass panelled room was airy and light, with all manner of plants growing in the atrium to keep her shaded. It was the one room at Ivy Grange that Aunt Helen had insisted on. With the expanse of gardens below, the view was something to behold. And it kept her distracted whilst the house was busy preparing a birthday feast.

And then he was there. Completely unexpected. She was uncertain at first as she squinted into the midday sun. His form appearing at the bottom of the driveway, walking up the lawn with his coat draped across his shoulder. His shirt unbuttoned. Oh, that damned shirt.

She flew to the conservatory door almost flinging it off it's hinges as she ran to him. The ribbon in her hair trailing behind her wildly, her dress coming up about her knees as she flew down the lawn. He threw down his coat as she approached, opening his arms for her to reach.

He caught her in a spin. Lifting her off the ground. Wasting no more time to give in to the temptations which had been there since the very first moment. She allowed him to do as he pleased. No longer caring for propriety. He placed her firmly to the ground, lifting her chin to meet his waiting lips.

Her foot rising back as he kissed her. It was not a gentle kiss, nor befitting the sort of kiss that should be a first. He was enamoured by the way she seemed as possessed as he, her fingers knotting through his hair as she fought to have her fill of him. Her mouth opening beneath his, welcoming his tongue as if she had wilted at his request.

"You were gone..." She cried through the warm breath of his mouth against hers. "You left me..."

Her reproach was a dagger to his heart. Gripping her shoulders tightly he thought of the breadth of the country he had travelled to return to her. The way he had wrapped up his business in Michigan a fortnight early to make the odyssey back to her. He thought of how Joshua had begged him to stay, their hearts torn into two halves as Jacob pined for Eleanor and Joshua found a love to call his own. They had fought over it. And reconciled over it.

"You will never know what I have endured to be here...to return to you..." He said, so uncommonly soft, his hands resting at the crook of her neck.

She didn't need to. It was laid bare in his eyes as he peered down at her, desperate for more. In haste, she pulled him down the lawn towards the line of beech tree's that secluded the view of the pond from the house.

Pulling at his shirt, freeing him of it as he gathered her dress within the curl of his fists and reached inside the fold of her petticoat. He laid her down on the soft, summer grass. In the shade of the beeches. Her hair fell free of her ribbon, cascading down to reveal tresses of long dark waves. He held his breath against the sight of her.

"I have thought of nothing but this." He confessed, sliding her petticoat up the length of her thighs.

He parted her knees slowly, sending ripples of arousal through her core as he slipped his cold palm up the inside of her legs. She was breathing heavily, her bosom rising and falling against the tightness of her corset.

It was in his mind to take her then and there. The way she pleaded with him, her arms reaching out for his body to covet her.

"Will you be wanting it rough?" He asked, lifting her leg to rest upon his shoulder as he pulled down her stockings. "Or would my Lady like to be serenaded?"

She giggled helplessly. His eyes resting on the wet, gilded pinkness of her core.

"Whatever Sir desires..." She replied playfully.

Eleanor had never seen a man's desire before. She watched him closely, pulling down his trousers to reveal himself. Her eyes widened at the size of it. The way it seemed to be weeping at the tip, the pulse of the veins running down the shaft and how he gripped it fervently in his hand as he ran his curled fist up and down, taking the flesh with it.

"You are a virgin, Lady Eleanor." He said, a fact she had never truly revealed but one that he had known regardless. "I'll not be taking it from you too coarsely."

"Take it from me however you wish, Jacob. Like my heart, it is yours."

He lifted her with careful arms, pulling at the lace of her corset just enough for her breasts to spill over the lace edging of her dress. He marvelled at the round, soft peaks of her hard nipples. Not too big, not too small. Just enough to fill the cup of his hand.

"Take me, Jacob, please...I am begging you..."

She would only cry out in pain.

"No, my Lady...I will not take it from you in the manner I have taken it from others. If my being gentle with you the first time means that you will not think me a brute...as the others did... then I will court you with more aggression afterwards." He came down to her, pressing his hardness against her thigh. "Perhaps on our wedding night I will fuck you in all the ways you desire."

She balked at the way he said it so casually. Without asking for her hand, without formally putting forth his intentions to her Mother and Aunt first.

"You intend to marry me?!" She asked, her voice breaking on the prospect that everything Elizabeth had said that morning being prophecy.

He smirked. A dangerous look that made her begin to weep, too, from her aching centre.

"Oh, my love... look at the way you ready yourself for me."

He swept a poised thumb over her swollen, slippery lips. Immediately her body responded by arching. Moaning a muffled pitch of a sound that drove him to insanity. Her breasts lilting to the side, bottom lip held between her gritted teeth.

She felt like moist silk. He probed a finger at her entrance, pushing it in slowly to her tight walls. Her hips instinctually grinding against the sensation, pushing him to slide a second digit inside.

"The tightest little thing I have ever felt." He said in breathless confessions, leaning over the body as if to claim it for his own. "May I taste you, my love?"

There it was again, that word. That name. She nodded feverishly as he gathered the fabric of her dress and slid down to greet her waiting virginity. His mouth connected with her slit and she let out the most pained shriek. As if a banshee had possessed her. Never had anything felt so consumingly arousing.

As he flayed his tongue against her wet, throbbing clitoris she continued in her song. Whining pitifully against his moving jaw. Feeling how he moaned, too. The taste of her filling his mouth. Swallowing it like sweet honey. Flicking the tip of his tongue inside her as if to elicit more flow.

"Oh dear God...I am going to hell..." She said through agonised cries.

When he appeared from the peak of her mound, he was wiping his mouth with the back of his hand slovenly.

"If hell is a place where I get to do this every night of my life, I willingly submit myself to the devil himself."

Anyone could have chanced upon them. Taking the risk into consideration, she pulled him up to meet her mouth once more and there tasted herself on the tongue which brushed against hers.

"I fear we may be seen." She said, taking a moment to appreciate the way he had finally been romantic with her. "I would have a thousand sweet words from you and a thousand moments like this, but we are not yet married...and I fear we will be caught..."

It was as though he had just made the most astonishing discovery of all time. The way his eyes moved down to her breasts, his mouth following to suckle gently on her hard nipple. She felt as if she might die if he did not do what he intended. The awareness of his body so complete. Virgin or no, she wanted to be taken in any way that would mean she could be free of the mounting frustration.

She had thought he would not heed her words. But the next moment took her to somewhere lingering above the hell she had feared. A hot, searing fire tore through her middle for the briefest of moments as he entered her. But it was not hell that came for her. As the pain subsided, she felt his body weight on top of her moving slowly in thrusts that made her feel as if she had never known pleasure til this moment.

With one hand he lifted her leg to wrap around his waist. His voice low and gruff, his panting warm against her ear. Eleanor, in the midst of it, lapped her tongue against his ear lobe which made him squeeze down on her hip much tighter, leaving reddened marks in her flesh.

"Be loyal to me always..." He demanded whilst pumping into her freshly broken walls. "I must know that I am the only man you will ever love..."

It was his ego talking. The desperate love pouring out in a jealousy that had yet to be seen. Eleanor did not care. The intensity of his eyes had drawn her in long ago. She would have permitted him anything.

"Only you...I swear it..." She replied in hushed tones, feeling him grow quicker in his pace.

All too soon he had begun to fuck into her with all the force of a man who had been driven mad. She took such delight in the way he cast aside his gentleness in favour of depravity. His body falling forward into her bouncing breasts, the fabric in his fists almost tearing at the seams.

The balmy breeze caressed their skin. Jacob feeling near to completion, he pulled out of her slowly and tried to calm his nerves as his coated tip rested against her entrance. A moment he wanted to savour. His thumb running along her moistened mouth, her tongue lapping against it. His mouth lilting open in response.

"I want to see you finish, my love..." He said breathlessly, "Do you understand me?"

Eleanor had a small idea. In the whispers she had heard exchanged between her married friends. Of the crescendo at the end of love making, which sometimes came to them and sometimes did not.

"How will I know?" She asked innocently.

Jacob's smirk returned to his mouth as he kissed her passionately.

"Oh, you sweet girl...you will know. I promise." He assured her, returning his hard cock to the wet warmth of her.

He lightly tapped at her clit with his thumb, making a rhythm on it that made her entire body ascend. He pumped harder, so hard the grass began to give way beneath her into the earth below. Dark smears of mud grazing her hands as he reached for something to hold on to. That would tell her all of this was real.

"Oh, Eleanor..." He grunted, his entire body convulsing above her as he released his seed within her.

The crescendo did not happen as she had imagined it. Not at the same time his did, but after. When he was steadying his breathing and his thrusting had ceased. When his thumb pressed against her clit and she felt the moon and stars of night come out in the middle of the day.

"Oh....my.....goodness.....Oh....."

It would have been easy for Lady Eleanor Hanover to remain unwed for the rest of her life. Languishing at Ivy Grange, haunting the old place like her Aunt did. She was not the romantic little thing her sister was. But still, she found herself in an entanglement she could not free herself of.

Some said that she married beneath her on the day she gave up her title for the man she loved. Others were enamoured by the way their story seemed to be one of love. Lady Jane Corbett stood with silent tears trailing down her veiled face as she watched from the church pews. Vows echoing down the aisle.

And she did return to Belvoir, in the end. 

.

.

.

@caprisunsister @thewritingbeforesunrise @takenbythemadness @katuschka @its-interesting-van-kleep @lvnterninthenight @writingcold @jakekiszkasbuttsweat @edgingthedarkness @velveteencatch @lyndz2names @nina-23-45 @itsafullmoon y @char289 @dancingcarbon @gvfpal @violetstarcatcher

[drunk0nheat]

Beast's Labyrinth [NSFT]

made out to @milkygothgf <3

Your party was recently hired by an anonymous client through a fixer to enter the tomb of an ancient arch wizard and retrieve its legendary hoard! If you can pull this off, the fighter will be able to afford better armor, your barbarian can get a new axe, your ranger can buy information on their long lost mother, and YOU…

Well, you're just a humble cleric. You have no need of indulgent earthly possessions beyond your vestment and your staff. Not even the temptations of the flesh can pull you from the righteous path of your goddess's darkness, and this strength allows you to offer your services to your party without becoming distracted.

Since your grandfather was a minotaur, you have special traits that give your… "roar" special energizing properties for your allies, and makes your… "secretions" especially revitalizing. Your devotion to the Goddess of Darkness has granted you boons that drastically strengthen these properties, allowing you to heal even the most egregious wounds simply by feeding the wounded from your round, soft, pillowy breast. Disciples of Midnight are also trained to grant day-long boosts to strength, speed, and awareness by awakening an individual with oral stimulation to their sexual organ.

Your sexual organ, however, remains untouched, save for a ritual giving your virginity as an offer of devotion to your beloved Goddess of Night which marks the end of your induction into the sisterhood.

Or at least… it was.

What your benefactor failed to mention about the tomb he was sending your party into as that a large section of the interior was a labyrinth… a labyrinth which held a beast imprisoned within.

You're separated from your party, gasping for breath as you stumble through the maze. Your knees ache and your hands struggle to keep hold of your staff, your revealing vestments failing to protect you from the scratching sand every time you stumble. You feel like you've been running for hours, and you don't know how much longer you can manage it… but you have to try.

You can hear it.

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

It's getting closer.

The Minotaur.

You turn to look behind as you run and trip over your own feet, falling on your back with a yelp as your your staff clatters on the ground away from you. You lay exhausted, desperate to just breathe for a minute, but the momentary respite proves fatal as you look up and see the minotaur rounding a corner. It freezes as its eyes land on your lying and vulnerable form. You've always felt comfortable in your vestments, but right now, you've never felt more exposed. It makes eye contact with you, gives a heavy huff, and paws the ground with its hoof before barreling toward you. The sudden burst of speed reignites the panic in your chest as you scramble to your feet, but your poor, life-giving udders finally prove to be too much and cause you to lose your balance, giving the monster all the time it needs to snatch at your leg and drag you close.

You whimper and struggle with futility as it takes hold of your arms and pins you down. It leans in, an ineffective loin cloth barely covering a swinging bell-ended cock. Your face goes clammy underneath its hot, putrid breath, then it sniffs. It pushes its snout against your face, then into the crook of your neck, then into your bust. It huffs into your cleavage, then looks up into your eyes, its breathing growing heavier and heavier. The loin cloth is torn apart by the gradual stiffening of it's ridiculous cock. It's shaped like a human's, but no one smaller than this creature could lug around such a monster. The sight of it terrifies you - you can't take that thing! - but the smell… you've never smelled another hucow's pheromones so much before. It's so much, it makes your head dizzy, and despite everything, you feel yourself getting warm and wet.

Something inside you enjoys this, and you hate yourself for it.

The minotaur smells you, you know it can. You know it knows how wet you are now, how much the primal, desperate, starved cow inside you needs to be filled, stuffed, and broken. You can practically feel your goddess's disapproving glare as your resistance weakens and your eyes glaze over. The shame fails to push you to the glory of darkness, and you let your instincts take over.

The beast, intelligent behind its animalistic gaze, feels the moment your defenses break down, and loosens its grip. It moves its powerful hands down to your legs and gently cups the underside of your calves, straightening its back to lay its cock on your stomach and give you perspective of how deep it would go bottomed out. Your heart leaps and you shudder, squirming underneath it. Your legs shift in its palms, and its fingers close around your shins to hold you in place. A guttural growl emanates from its throat and it begins to roll its hips, sliding its length up and down your bare stomach. It isn't long before you feel covered in its scent, your soft skin glistening with the beast's sweat.

Your mind is submersed in a fog of steamy pheromones that leave you breathless. You find yourself panting as much and as heavy as the minotaur, its eyes following the rise and fall of your encumbered chest as warm cream leaks from your swollen udders and soaks your robes. It lifts and pushes your legs until you're folded in half, your toes touching the cold stone beneath you and your tits being squeezing between your knees. Its cock twitches in reaction to your whimpers and gasps. You feel your tight fitting, drenched underwear hugging your pulsing, needy pussy.

It won't fit. It can't fit. But god, you want it to. You want it. You want it to try. You try to lean forward over your own suffocating, soaking tits and you catch a glimpse.

Those balls. Those swollen cum tanks. It knows how fertile you are. You know its seed wants to be inside you. You're so hungry, starving. You can't resist. You don't want to. You need it. You feel so empty. You need to be full. You need to be filled.

Breed me.

The words escape your lips on a whimper. Once they're spoken, you can't think anything else.

Breed me.

Breed me.

Breed me.

The beast pulls its hips back, lining up with the thin barrier preventing it from entry, and presses forward. You haven't even masturbated since your induction ritual. You haven't even been touched there since then except when you were cleaning yourself. So when that heavy, bulbous tip presses against your heat through that thin fabric, your entire body seizes. Your heart thunders against your rib cage, and you say the words again.

Breed me.

You're nearly hyperventilating as the beast presses forward harder and harder, more forceful, pushing the fabric inside you and tearing through with one solid, brutal motion. You writhe beneath it, tears stinging your eyes as the overstimulation makes you squeal. It's so big, pulsing inside you, spreading you open wider than you ever bothered to consider you could go.

Your body is tainted.

You are corrupted.

You feel the cool, comforting shadow of your goddess leave you to the mercy of heretical depravity.

You have never felt more alive.

The gargantuan behemoth above and inside you grunts and grumbles, pulling and pushing its hips back and forth clumsily. This is too much. You've only just barely taken more than the tip and you're practically impaled.

But you need to be filled.

Faster.

And harder.

And deeper.

Your screams echo and bounce off the walls of the labyrinth. If your party is still inside, they can certainly hear your cries of agony, and how they're broken up with cries of pleasure. The pace quickens and it drills deeper inside. Your moans are guttural and clumsy, you're breathless as tears streak down your face and drool rolls off your tongue. Your eyes roll crossed and your tits start to throb, momentary spurts of milk spraying through your robes and soaking your entire chest.

The minotaur humps away at you with reckless abandon, as though trying to split you in half as it huffs and growls with pleasure. And with need. Need to cum.

Need to cum.

Need its cum.

Breed me.

The words leave you again, repeating themselves over and over, begging the monster to force a brood inside you. It understands them, holding you tighter, pinning you down with its entire weight as it pushes the final inches through your cervix. The pain knocks the wind from you and forces you to sob… and yet you smile. Because as this happens, you feel it.

Bursts and gushes of thick, potent bullseed flood your womb. You could have practically heard the gooey sloshing if you weren't squealing so loud. You can feel your guts shift to accommodate your swelling uterus, your belly expanding and making you look several months pregnant already before the pressure builds enough for the flood to spill out around the beast's still-twitching shaft.

It pulls out, its cock slowly softening. Its removal allows the cum inside you to ooze out in a thick flow. Your legs are released, and your bottom half finally gets to relax, falling limply in the pooling cum with a dull splat as the minotaur lays back against the wall, catching its breath and closing its eyes.

By the time you regain full awareness, your belly as shrank down, having been mostly emptied, but there is still a visible bulge. You… decide to keep it inside. For now. You look around, and the minotaur is nowhere around.

Likely after the rest of your party.

Good.

They should be allowed this blessing as well.

[thehoneybeet]

Erised recs ✨🌹

Erised has been amazing this year and I wanted to make a rec list before reveals! Though I didn't get to every fic this year (nearly a million words is a lot to read in one month), I wanted to give some love to a few works that spoke to me.

You can find all the Erised works here!

The Unknown Door by @amywaterwings (E, 60k): A truly brilliant story featuring a nuanced + varied ensemble cast and Draco realistically unlearning his prejudice. The magical lore in this is gorgeous, and so is the writing style. It's the fic I didn't know I needed, but can't live without.

There is something wrong with the Bellcrest. The heart of the place beats rotten. Everyone says so. Where Draco is a magical property manager, Harry is a recluse, and they’re definitely not hiding from their problems in the run-down flats of the Bellcrest. Not at all. Not one bit.

Once upon a (Wet) Dream by InnerLilith (E, 13.5k): The imagery in this fic is magnetic. It's surreal. The contrast between the dreams and real life makes everything more vivid. It's blisteringly hot. Just go read it.

Once a year, Harry has a very strange dream. Meanwhile, in real life, he’s falling for Draco Malfoy.

the treehouse near primrose downs by @softlystarstruck (M, 14.4k): I can't express how lovely this story is. It's a balm for the soul. It speaks to all the gentle ways to love someone, the longing and joy of it.

Draco and Harry have been roommates for years, so buying a magical house in the countryside shouldn’t be a big difference. But in between fresh loaves of bread and beds of wildflowers, things start to fall into place.

Service Bell by @shiftylinguini (E, 8k): The language is visceral, raw, and this version of wolf Draco is stunning.

Draco is: a werewolf, living in a cabin in the woods, minding his own business, and never going to buy plaid because he's not that much of a fucking cliche (yet). He's also counting down the days until he sees Harry again.

Birdwatching for Beginners by dustmouth (G, art!): Pure delight in image form. The adoration for each other emanates from the art. It's funny. Their faces are so expressive, the moments without words delicate and beautiful.

Draco does his best to sneak out early from Ginny and Luna's Christmas party, only to be cornered by a drunk Harry Potter.

The Inconvenient Death(s) of Harry Potter by @nv-md (E, 33k): Time loop with added stakes. I love this premise an insane amount and the author delivers a brilliant, subversive arc that makes you fall in love with them all over again.

Harry won’t stop dying, Draco’s had too much coffee, and there’s more than enough time for them to make a mess of each other’s lives.

There's also been some other great Erised recs like this one by @sitp-recs and this one by @epitomereally and all of the wonderful recs by @gracerene. If you know of any others feel free to link them in the comments!

🌹 Thank you to the @hd-erised mods for once again putting on an amazing fest. 🌹

[ericgunther]

Greenfield Waters Florida Realty is excited to announce that Joyce Bell has joined the firm led by Eric Gunther! Bringing incredible experience to the table, Joyce is a considerable expert in the real estate industry! 

Joyce Bell Joins Greenfield Waters Florida Realty: A Powerhouse in High-Net-Worth Real Estate!

In the world of real estate, expertise and experience are invaluable assets. Greenfield Waters, situated on the prestigious Worth Avenue of Palm Beach Island, has recently made a significant addition to its team - Joyce Bell. With a career spanning over 40 years, Joyce Bell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the high-net-worth real estate market. Joyce Bell has an impressive background and her role within Greenfield Waters Florida Realty is big news, shedding light on the firm's dedication to excellence in serving the discerning clientele of South Florida.

Joyce Bell's Remarkable Career

Joyce Bell's journey in the real estate industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her career commenced in Rumson, New Jersey, a town synonymous with affluence, privacy, and being the home of numerous Wall Street executives. From the outset, Bell showcased her prowess by taking on various roles as a Broker and Manager, contributing significantly to the success of top-producing offices in the area.

One of the standout aspects of Bell's career is her direct involvement with celebrities. Given the exclusive nature of Rumson and surrounding towns, she had the privilege of working closely with several high-profile clients due to her exceptional talents. This experience not only honed her skills but also solidified her reputation as a real estate professional who can cater to the unique needs of the elite.

Local Expertise in Florida

After her illustrious career, Joyce Bell made Tequesta, Florida, her permanent residence. This move was instrumental in deepening her understanding of the local real estate landscape. Her years of residency have made her an unrivaled authority in Tequesta and the surrounding areas. Her intimate knowledge of the local market trends, neighborhoods, and community dynamics sets her apart in the industry.

Credentials That Speak Volumes

Joyce Bell's list of real estate credentials is nothing short of impressive. She has attained some of the highest accolades and certifications in the real estate business, demonstrating her commitment to excellence. These credentials are a testament to her dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that her clients receive the best possible service and advice.

Greenfield Waters Florida Realty: A Rising Star

Greenfield Waters Florida Realty has been generating a buzz in the South Florida real estate market. The firm's primary focus is on properties with price points exceeding one million dollars, catering to a clientele seeking the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity. With their emphasis also on prime middle and upper-market properties, Greenfield Waters is setting a new standard for the serious real estate consumer.

The driving force behind Greenfield Waters is Eric Gunther, who hails from a third-generation real estate family. His vision for the firm is to serve niche upscale markets with unmatched dedication and expertise. Eric Gunther has assembled a tight-knit team of professionals who share his commitment to delivering the highest quality of service. This commitment to excellence has been pivotal in their rapid growth and success.

The Future

Joyce Bell's addition to the Greenfield Waters Florida Realty team is a testament to the firm's dedication to providing unparalleled service in high-net-worth real estate. With her extensive experience, local expertise, and impressive credentials, Bell is a valuable asset to the firm and its discerning clientele.

Greenfield Waters' commitment to excellence, led by Eric Gunther and supported by a team of skilled professionals, is positioning the firm as a rising star in the South Florida real estate market. Their focus on prime properties and unwavering dedication to quality service bode well for their continued success.

As we look ahead, we anticipate more exciting news and press releases about the synergy between Joyce Bell and Greenfield Waters Florida Realty, promising even greater accomplishments in the luxury real estate arena. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in the high-net-worth real estate market, Greenfield Waters and Joyce Bell are names you can trust to deliver exceptional results.

Glad to share as always,

Eric Gunther

President – Broker – Realtor

561-400-8474

eric.gunther@greenfieldwaters.com

Greenfield Waters

Florida Realty

205 Worth Avenue #125

Palm Beach, FL 33480

www.greenfieldwaters.com

Thank you for sharing our blog posts, articles and for your referral business! 

[vivek2184]

KFC Franchise Cost in India : proft and margin in India

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is one of the world's most popular fast-food chains, famous for its fried chicken, burgers, and sides. With an ever-expanding market in India, KFC has become a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a franchise. This article provides an overview of the KFC franchise cost in India, including initial investment, franchise models, and the requirements to start your own KFC outlet.

Why Choose a KFC Franchise?

KFC is part of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, making it a globally recognized brand with a proven business model. India’s fast-food industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, and KFC's iconic menu appeals to diverse tastes across the country. The KFC franchise model offers brand support, standardized operational guidelines, and marketing assistance, making it easier for new franchisees to succeed.

KFC Franchise outlet Models in India : 

KFC offers different franchise outlet models depending on the location, target customer base, and investment capability. Here are the main types:

KFC Full-Sized Outlet : These outlets serve the full KFC menu and are usually located in high-traffic areas like malls, major shopping centers, or standalone locations.

KFC Small Format/Express Outlets : These are compact versions, suitable for smaller spaces and optimized for high-traffic areas with limited seating, like food courts or airports.

KFC Delivery-Centric Outlets : Given the rise in demand for home delivery, these outlets focus primarily on delivery services, making them ideal for densely populated urban areas.

KFC Franchise cost in India : 

The cost of setting up a KFC franchise in India varies depending on the franchise model, location, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

Franchise Fee : The one-time KFC franchise cost in india, typically ranges between INR 30 to 40 lakhs (approx. USD 36,000 to USD 48,000). This cost grants the franchisee the right to operate under the KFC brand and access to their proprietary systems.

Initial Investment : The total initial investment to open a KFC franchise in india generally ranges from INR 1 crore to INR 1.5 crore (approx. USD 120,000 to USD 180,000). This includes costs for equipment, store construction, signage, furniture, and initial inventory.

Royalty and Marketing Fees : In addition to the initial investment, franchisees must pay ongoing royalty fees, usually set at 5% of gross monthly sales, and advertising/marketing fees, which can vary between 2-5% of sales.

Operational Costs : Extranal expenses, including staff salaries, utilities, maintenance, and supplies, should also be factored into the budget. 

Franchise Requirements and Eligibility : 

To qualify for a KFC franchise, potential franchisees must meet certain financial and business experience requirements:

Financial Stability : KFC seeks partners who can make a significant investment and have a net worth of at least INR 3-4 crore (approx. USD 360,000 to USD 480,000). Liquidity or access to liquid assets is also essential to cover ongoing costs.

Business Experience: Ideal franchise candidates have prior experience in the food and beverage or hospitality sector. However, KFC offers extensive training to help new franchisees with operations and management.

Location and Property Requirements: Franchisees should secure a location in a high-footfall area. For a full-sized KFC outlet, a property size of around 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. is typically required.

Portfolio to Apply for a KFC Franchise in India : 

Submit an Application : Interested parties can apply on the KFC India website or directly contact Yum! Brands for franchise inquiries.

Initial Screening: KFC's team will review your application, financials, and business plan.

Franchise Approval: Upon approval, you’ll need to pay the franchise fee and sign a franchise agreement, which typically lasts for five to ten years.

Training and Setup: KFC provides comprehensive training in operations, customer service, and management. Franchisees will also receive assistance with store setup and marketing.

Store Launch: After completing training and setting up the outlet, the franchise can officially open for business.

Profit Potential for a KFC Franchise cost in india :  

A KFC franchise in India can generate substantial revenue, especially in high-demand areas. Profits depend on various factors, such as location, operational efficiency, and local competition. On average, a KFC franchise can expect a profit margin of 10-15% after covering royalty fees, staff costs, and operational expenses. With increasing consumer demand, many franchisees see a return on their initial investment within 3-5 years. 

Advantages of owning a KFC Franchise outlet in India : 

Brand Recognition: KFC’s established reputation and customer base provide an immediate advantage.

Marketing Assistance: Franchisees benefit from KFC’s extensive marketing campaigns.  

Challenges of a KFC Franchise in India : 

High Initial Investment: The cost may be a barrier for some potential franchisees.

Competition: The quick-service restaurant (QSR) market in India is highly competitive, with rivals like McDonald's, Domino’s, and Burger King.

Conclusion : 

Investing in a KFC franchise in India can be a profitable venture, provided you meet the financial requirements and are prepared to operate within KFC’s guidelines. With a strong brand presence, diverse customer base, and growing demand for quick-service food, KFC offers franchisees a promising opportunity to grow their business in India’s dynamic food industry.

Carefully consider the initial costs, operational challenges, and the commitment required to make this venture a success.

for more info visit us :

[paradiseicecream]

Hire an Ice Cream Truck From Campbelltown to Penrith for Birthday Parties and Events

Considering a planning birthday celebration or an event in Sydney? Wherever you are, from Campbelltown to Penrith, there’s one guaranteed way to make your event truly memorable—an ice cream truck! Ice cream trucks have moved from being an exquisite choice to a beloved decision for everyone, spreading joy and memories at any time. For events including birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and many more, our specialty at paradise ice cream is providing ice cream truck service. We supply extraordinary treats designed to entertain guests of all ages.

Why Should You Select an Ice Cream Truck for Your Upcoming Event?

An ice cream truck enriches your event by going beyond sugar, creating an entire experience. Here’s why hiring an ice cream truck for your next event is a fantastic idea:

Unique and Fun: Certain thoughts about nostalgia combine with excitement in relation to ice cream trucks. What makes an ordinary event extraordinary are the classic jingle, the dazzling truck, and different treats.

Catering Made Easy: Instead of working with several caterers, the ice cream truck manages dessert all in one simple package. Guests have the ability to pick from many different ice creams, cones, and toppings.

Appeal to All Ages: Everyone enjoys ice cream, including adults! Whatever the occasion—birthday or corporate party—everyone likes enjoying sweet and cool bites.

Ice Cream Truck for Hire at Birthday Festivities

Parties on a child’s birthday are focused on making lasting memories and enjoyment. Having a little ice cream truck at your festivities turns up the fun factor; it creates thrill and joy as people wait in line for their chilled snacks.

Here’s how an ice cream truck hire can make your child’s birthday unforgettable:

Custom Menus: With an assortment of ice cream flavors and cones, plus toppings and popsicles, Paradise Ice Cream allows you to create a personalized menu for the audience attending your event.

Interactive Experience: It's a blast for kids to have the opportunity to walk up to the truck, hear the bell ring, and decide on their ice cream, as if we were in the good old days.

No Hassle for Parents: When organizing a party, you, as a parent, have plenty of issues you are concerned about. Engaging with an ice cream truck allows you to miss out on making, serving, and cleaning up dessert, which gives you extra time to really celebrate the elaborate occasion.

Ice Cream Trucks for functions in Campbelltown, Penrith, and the areas further afield.

Our ice cream trucks are on hand to make your event a delicious success, no matter if you’re in Campbelltown, Penrith, or anywhere in the Sydney area. We manage a variety of events that include weddings, corporate meetings, festivals, community get-togethers, and private events.

What advantage comes from booking an ice cream truck for your events?

Perfect for Large Crowds: Hosting a large gathering? An ice cream truck offers a quick solution for feeding many guests in a little time, making certain that each person gets their favorite treat and stays away from long queues.

Branded Experiences: For corporate events or company celebrations, we deliver branded food trucks alongside custom menu choices that match your company’s theme or branding, enduringly impressing both clients and staff.

Flexible Locations: We can manage our trucks at nearly any outdoor locales, such as parks and sports fields, or on private properties, aiming to deliver to your guests regardless of the event location.

How It Works: Hiring an Ice Cream Truck

Hiring an ice cream truck from paradise ice cream is simple and without complications.

Book Your Date: First off, you can check if we're available by calling us or going to our website. It rewards you to make bookings in advance for popular weekend breaks.

Choose Your Menu: After you've gone ahead with the booking, we will help you to modify the menu. We have both classic flavors of vanilla and chocolate cones along with upscale flavors and dairy-free options to fit all preferences.

Enjoy the Event: On the day of your occasion, our pleasant team will be there at the time and place specified. Our mission will be to offer you service, including preparations for your guests, while creating an energetic and lasting setting.

Stress-Free Clean-Up: After the event comes to an end, we will round up our apparatus and walk off, much as we arrived, organized and tidy, with nothing remaining.

Campbelltown, Penrith, and Western Sydney's Ice Cream Trucks

We proudly serve the Campbelltown, Penrith, and surrounding Western Sydney area at paradise ice cream. Our ice cream trucks are ready to explore these areas, making sure that your event, regardless of its location, has the ability to access our elite ice cream services.

Wherever you’re throwing a party, from backyards in Penrith to school events in Campbelltown to corporate functions in Western Sydney, we are ready to enhance your event with delightful and refreshing ice cream treats.

Book Your Ice Cream Truck Instruction:

Book your ice cream truck today

Are you prepared to create a hit at your upcoming event with an ice cream truck? Call paradise ice cream now to secure a truck for your birthday, wedding, corporate event, or community event. We ensure our guests a fun and flavorful experience that they will chat about long after the event is finished. We stand ready to deliver ice cream no matter if you’re in Campbelltown, Penrith, or anywhere in the surrounding area.

[devindoyle0]

Core Components of Robust Fire Protection Systems

Fire protection is a multi-faceted approach essential for safeguarding lives and property from the devastating effects of fire. This article delves into the key elements of an effective fire protection system, underscoring their functionality and importance. The integration of these components ensures a cohesive strategy to manage and mitigate fire risks effectively.

Fire Detection Technologies

Central to any fire protection system is detecting a fire promptly. Advanced fire detection technologies play a pivotal role in this aspect. Smoke detectors, heat sensors, and flame detectors are commonly employed devices, each suitable for different environments and types of fires. For instance, smoke detectors are crucial in residential and office settings, while heat sensors are better suited for kitchens and industrial areas where fluctuating temperatures are common.

These technologies must be interconnected through a sophisticated fire alarm system that can quickly alert building occupants and fire control stations. The effectiveness of a fire detection system hinges on its ability to detect various indicators of fire at an early stage, thereby enabling timely evacuation and firefighting efforts to commence.

Alarm Systems and Evacuation Protocols

Once a fire is detected, effective alarm systems are critical to communicate the danger quickly to all building occupants. These systems should include both auditory and visual alarms to ensure that they capture the attention of everyone, regardless of their location within the building or any disabilities they might have. For example, loud sirens or bells combined with flashing lights can ensure the message gets across in noisy environments or to deaf people.

Furthermore, clear and well-marked evacuation routes and protocols are essential. These should be regularly reviewed and updated to accommodate building layout or occupancy changes. Regular fire drills and training can familiarize occupants with these routes, reducing panic and confusion during an actual fire.

Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish or contain fires until the emergency services arrive. The choice of suppression system—whether water-based sprinklers, chemical retardants, or gas-based systems—depends on the specific needs of the building and the nature of the materials housed within. For instance, water sprinklers are effective for general fire suppression. Still, chemical or gas-based systems might be more appropriate to avoid water damage in environments with electrical equipment and valuable documents.

The placement and maintenance of these systems are just as important as the choice of suppression agent. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that suppression systems are functional and ready to operate in an emergency, significantly reducing the potential damage and risk to life caused by fires.

Emergency and Safety Lighting

Power outages are likely in the event of a fire, which can obscure escape routes and exits. Emergency lighting systems that operate independently of the main power supply are crucial to guide occupants safely out of the building. These systems should be tested regularly to ensure they activate during power losses and provide adequate illumination to lead people to safety.

Similarly, well-lit and marked exit signs are crucial for guiding people towards exits. These signs should be visible above the smoke, adhering to regulations that specify their placement at appropriate heights and intervals within a building. Ensuring these are visible and functional can significantly affect evacuation efficiency during a fire.

Education and Training

A well-informed and trained individual can significantly minimize damage and casualties during a fire. Regular training sessions for all building occupants on how to respond during a fire, how to use fire extinguishers, and the importance of adhering to evacuation plans are essential to fire safety.

Fire drills should be conducted regularly to ensure everyone can exit the building quickly and safely. These drills also help to identify any weaknesses in the existing fire safety protocols, providing an opportunity for improvements. Education on fire safety should begin at induction and be an ongoing part of organizational safety culture.

Regular Maintenance and Compliance Checks

Continuous maintenance and compliance are crucial for ensuring all elements of the fire protection system are operational when needed. This includes regular checks and servicing of equipment, from alarms to extinguishers and suppression systems. Compliance with local fire safety codes and regulations is not just a legal requirement but a moral one, ensuring all preventative measures are in place to protect lives.

Documentation of these checks and maintenance activities is critical during inspections and insurance reviews. Ensuring up-to-date records can help streamline regulatory audits and demonstrate due diligence in fire safety management.

Effective fire protection systems require a comprehensive approach, combining advanced technology, strict adherence to safety protocols, and ongoing education. By focusing on these critical components, organizations can create a safer environment that minimizes the risk of fire and its potentially catastrophic consequences.

[mmjelectric]

Benefits of Different Types of Security Systems in Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida

The safety and security of homes and businesses are crucial for protecting assets and individuals. In Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida, residents have access to various security systems that provide varying advantages for different needs. It is essential to state that these systems shield against theft and destruction of property and complement security.

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems are frequently used as security systems in Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida. These systems are intended to alert the property owner or local authorities if there is unauthorized access to that property. Alarm systems typically incapacitate intruders through door and window sensors, motion detectors, and bells.

One critical factor in alarm systems is that there is always an immediate response whenever there is evidence of an intrusion. It can be a simple sensor placed on the door or more complex systems, but an alarm does prevent vandalism and robbery with immediate effect. Besides, there are subsystems in many alarm systems in Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach that tie in with monitoring services, which inform law enforcement or security forces in case any alarm system goes off.

Surveillance Camera Systems

Surveillance camera systems provide the property with visual observation, which improves the detection of unusual activity. The systems usually contain indoor and outdoor mega structures, including video recording cameras, which are either live or stored after recording.

A key advantage of surveillance camera system construction is the commitment to preventing the occurrence of crimes. Property cameras can discourage a would-be burglar from engaging in his nefarious acts in a place like the Pompano Beach or Deerfield Beach region simply because they know their image will likely be recorded. Also, when crimes are committed, the captured video footage is a significant witness and assists police in apprehending the criminals. Today's surveillance camera system, such as a CCTV system for security purposes, can also allow for remote control and recording when any motion is detected within the surveillance range.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems manage a person's entry and exit into a specific place at a certain time. Such systems are especially helpful to companies, apartment buildings, or gated environments in the Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach areas. This control is exercised via a card reader, scanning the finger, or a PIN code.

The greatest benefit of installing access control systems is enhanced security. They generally work by restricting the access of only vetted persons, thereby minimizing unauthorized access. For companies, they help situate the employees by controlling their movements to secured locations. Access control systems are also capable of physically restricting the period an individual stays in the building.

Automation of Houses

House automation involves incorporating security features into other house systems, such as lighting, heating, or entertainment systems. This allows homeowners to control door locks, switch on or off lights, view cameras, etc., primarily through their smartphones or other gadgets from a distance.

The primary benefit of using these home automation systems is saving time. The functions performed in these structures are individual, and through home automation systems in the house, the security of the property is never compromised. This is particularly advantageous to Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach residents who wish to monitor their property security when moving. An additional benefit of home automation systems is that they save electricity, as switching off lights and changing thermostats are done off-site, which may reduce the cost of energy.

The different security systems in Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida, provide excellent security to homes and businesses. There are alarm systems that will send notifications to the client immediately, surveillance systems that prevent aggressors from approaching, and access control, where only authorized personnel can prove every option has its merits. Integrating these systems with home automation provides even more convenience and additional security measures, creating a safer and better environment for the property owners.

[ulkaralakbarova]

A hospice nurse working at a spooky New Orleans plantation home finds herself entangled in a mystery involving the house’s dark past. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Caroline Ellis: Kate Hudson Violet Devereaux: Gena Rowlands Luke Marshall: Peter Sarsgaard Ben Devereaux: John Hurt Jill: Joy Bryant Bayou Woman: Marion Zinser Mama Cynthia: Maxine Barnett Hallie: Fahnlohnee R. Harris Desk Nurse: Deneen Tyler C.N.A.: Ann Dalrymple Nurse Trula: Trula M. Marcus Madeleine Thorpe: Jen Apgar Robertson Thorpe: Thomas Uskali Grace Thorpe: Jamie Lee Redmon Martin Thorpe: Forrest Landis Nurse Audrey: Tonya Staten Creole Gas Station Owner: Isaach De Bankolé Creole Mother: Christa Thorne Papa Justify: Ronald McCall Mama Cecile: Jeryl Prescott Frail Customer: Lakrishi Kindred Luke’s Secretary: Sabah Paramedic: Joe Chrest Party Guest: David J. Curtis Party Guest: Tiffany Helland Party Guest: Brian Ruppert Film Crew: Producer: Stacey Sher Set Decoration: Beauchamp Fontaine Original Music Composer: Ed Shearmur Costume Design: Louise Frogley Producer: Iain Softley Director of Photography: Dan Mindel Art Direction: Drew Boughton Producer: Michael Shamberg Unit Production Manager: Clayton Townsend Casting: Ronna Kress Production Design: John Beard Producer: Daniel Bobker Editor: Joe Hutshing Writer: Ehren Kruger Costume Supervisor: Joyce Kogut Producer: Lorenzo P. Lampthwait Steadicam Operator: Colin Anderson Carpenter: Leo Lauricella Sound Mixer: Peter J. Devlin Set Production Intern: Hiro Taniguchi Key Hair Stylist: Susan Germaine Gaffer: Adam Harrison Sound Designer: Harry Cohen Standby Painter: Andrew P. Flores Location Manager: M. Gerard Sellers Production Supervisor: Gary R. Wordham Visual Effects Coordinator: Stephanie Pollard Greensman: Ronald S. Baratie Key Grip: Thomas Gibson Craft Service: Chris Winn Stunt Coordinator: Buddy Joe Hooker Lighting Technician: Greg Etheredge Supervising Sound Editor: Wylie Stateman Construction Foreman: Chuck Stringer Painter: Andrew M. Casbon III Stunts: Liisa Cohen Transportation Captain: Louis Dinson Scoring Mixer: Chris Fogel Video Assist Operator: Greg Mitchell Special Effects Supervisor: Jason Hamer Thanks: Michelle Guish Post Production Supervisor: Tania Blunden Stand In: Lexi Shoemaker Digital Compositors: Sean McPherson Art Department Coordinator: Stephanie Higgins Frey Makeup Artist: June Brickman Set Costumer: Laurel Frushour Set Dressing Artist: Dale E. Anderson Propmaker: William Davidson Rigging Gaffer: Martin Bosworth Production Manager: Kimberly Sylvester Music Supervisor: Sara Lord Leadman: Jason Bedig Leadman: Brad Bell Grip: Gordon Ard Production Intern: William Jackson Transportation Coordinator: Ed Arter Set Designer: Mick Cukurs First Assistant Camera: John T. Connor Visual Effects Supervisor: Karl Herbst Script Supervisor: Elizabeth Ludwick-Bax Best Boy Electric: Larry Cottrill Production Coordinator: Zoila Gomez Still Photographer: Merrick Morton Special Effects Coordinator: Bob Stoker Editorial Production Assistant: Jen Woodhouse Foley: Craig S. Jaeger Dolby Consultant: Thom ‘Coach’ Ehle Art Department Assistant: Amanda Fernald Jones Sculptor: Fred Arbegast Aerial Director of Photography: Phil Pastuhov Orchestrator: Robert Elhai Visual Effects Supervisor: Dan DeLeeuw Construction Coordinator: Dave DeGaetano Seamstress: Giselle Spence Driver: Bill C. Dawson Property Master: Peter C. Clarke Publicist: Patti Hawn ADR Supervisor: Hugh Waddell Sound Effects Editor: Christopher Assells Assistant Art Director: Jann K. Engel Hairstylist: Kathryn Blondell First Assistant Director: Gary Marcus First Assistant Editor: Davis Reynolds Electrician: Jimmy Ellis Production Accountant: Gregory D. Hemstreet I/O Supervisor: Ryan Beadle Set Medic: John Lavis Visual Effects Producer: Gary Nolin Rigging Grip: Mike Nami Jr. Boom Operator: Kevin Cerchiai Casting Associate: Courtney Bright Stunt Coordinator: Tom Bahr Stunts: Conrade Gamble Stunts: Annie Ellis ADR Mixer: Jeff Gomillion Camera Production Assistant: Alex Scott Storyboard Artist: Richard K. Buoen Assistant Location Manager...

[whitepolaris]

Officer's Row

Some roads qualify as roads less traveled not because of their remote locations, but because of their otherworldly nature. Such is the case with Vancouver's Officer's Row, the formerly military housing that lines Vancouver's Evergreen Boulevard, which is filled to the gills with haunted buildings.

The buildings, the oldest of which date to the 1850s, are now owned by the city of Vancouver, and some are reputed to be haunted. For the last several years, the city has had Halloween "ghost walks" down Officer's Row. Key Property Services, which manages the buildings now, stressed their wish that we not contact their tenants directly. We are passing this request along to the reader. Please do not go knocking on peoples' doors looking for ghosts. You can walk down the street and admire the houses, but please respect the privacy of those who live there.

Gazebo

South of Evergreen Boulevard, in the Vancouver Barracks, there is a gazebo that was constructed about fifteen years ago and has been the site of many open-air concerts and public receptions. In the past, this open area between Vancouver Barracks buildings and Officer's Row was used as a parade ground, on which a sentry post was once located. Many couples park near the gazebo and walk to the post at night to be alone in the romantic spot. At least one couple was confronted by the ghost of a past sentry, who threatened to fire and chase them off.

Ghost Housewife

According to legend, in the nineteenth century Sarah, the pregnant wife of a soldier, fell down the stairs in one of the Officer's Row buildings and was killed. She has been seen off and on ever since. Sarah appears to women, especially when drinking is involved; on two separate occasions she warned two women against drinking too much.

Rose Lace Ghost

One female resident of Officer's Row seems to share her house with a ghost. In 1997, a woman saw a bluish gray figure, wearing a rose lace dress and her hair part in the middle, approach her in her home. The figure stared at her. It did not smile, it did not frown, it just stared at her. At that moment, the phone rang and the ghost vanished. In the woman's house, lights and clocks turned on and off of their own accord. The faint odor of perfume seemed to hang in the air.

Nanny of Windemere Realty

Windemere Realty has offices in two of the Officer's Row buildings, one of which is haunted by the ghost of a young nanny in the attic. In true Gothic tradition, the story goes, she fell in love with the head of the household and became pregnant by him. In a fit of depression, she hanged herself in the attic.

One person told us he was outside the empty building one night and watched the lights go on from room to room in sequence. It looked to him as if someone walked into a room, turned on its light, then went into the next room and turn on its lights. This happened all the way up to the attic. The staff at Windemere have reported their own experiences. Sometimes all the telephone lines on the building's switchboard will light up. Bells have rung, papers are ruffled, and footsteps are heard where no human is walking. Like the Officer's Row buildings, Windemere does not offer ghost tours, so please don't ask to see their ghosts.

[bellmercantileaus]

Debt Recovery Australia | Bell Mercantile

Debt recovery is a crucial aspect of financial management for businesses and individuals alike. In Australia, where commercial transactions and consumer lending are prevalent, effective debt recovery processes are essential for maintaining cash flow, reducing financial losses, and preserving business relationships. Understanding the debt recovery process in Australia is paramount for navigating the complexities of debt collection while adhering to legal regulations and ethical standards.

The debt recovery process in Australia typically begins with communication between the creditor and the debtor to resolve the outstanding debt amicably. This may involve sending reminders, issuing invoices, and negotiating repayment terms in good faith. However, if these initial attempts to recover the debt are unsuccessful, creditors may escalate the matter by engaging professional debt recovery services or pursuing legal action.

One common method of Debt Recovery in Australia is engaging debt collection agencies or debt recovery specialists. These entities specialize in recovering debts on behalf of creditors and employ various strategies, such as phone calls, letters, and negotiation tactics, to encourage debtors to repay their outstanding obligations. Debt collection agencies are regulated by laws such as the Australian Consumer Law and must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure fair and ethical practices.

In cases where debtors refuse to cooperate or dispute the debt, creditors may resort to legal action to recover the outstanding amounts. This typically involves filing a claim in the appropriate court or tribunal and obtaining a judgment against the debtor. Once a judgment is obtained, creditors have legal recourse to enforce the judgment through means such as garnishment of wages, seizure of assets, or placing a caveat on the debtor's property.

It is important for creditors to be aware of their rights and obligations when pursuing debt recovery in Australia. While the debt recovery process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, it is essential for safeguarding financial interests and ensuring business viability. By understanding the debt recovery process and seeking professional guidance when necessary, creditors can navigate debt collection challenges effectively and mitigate risks associated with unpaid debts.

More Info Contact Us

Website https://bellmercantile.com.au/

Address : 585 Collins Street MelbourneVICAustralia3000

Ph: 03 9596 9311

Mail id: info@bellmercantile.com.au

Working Time: Monday to Friday  8:30am–5:30pm .

[whavradio]

Vargas Adds Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group to His Résumé

To submit Business Bulletin announcements, click on image. State Rep. Andy X. Vargas joined Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group in Lawrence as a sales agent, the company said Wednesday. The firm, with offices in Lawrence and Lowell, offers commercial real estate services including brokerage, property management, project management and consulting. Bell Tower is led by President Gary Sidell and…