#boom lifts for hire

[hiresafesolutions]

Boom Lift Hire vs. Purchase: What’s the Best Option for Your Business

In the construction and maintenance industries, boom lifts are essential tools that provide access to elevated work areas. When considering the use of boom lifts for your business, one of the most critical decisions is whether to hire or purchase this equipment. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on various factors including financial considerations, project requirements, and operational needs. This article explores the key aspects to consider when deciding between boom lift hire and purchase, helping you determine the best option for your business.

Understanding Boom Lifts

Before delving into the hire versus purchase debate, it’s essential to understand what boom lifts are and their applications. Boom lifts come in different types, including telescopic boom lifts, articulating boom lifts, and bucket trucks. They are used across various sectors, including construction, maintenance, and warehousing, allowing workers to reach high places safely and efficiently. The choice of boom lift type depends on the specific needs of the job, including height requirements, workspace conditions, and load capacity.

Factors to Consider

Frequency of Use

One of the primary factors to consider is how often your business will need to use a boom lift. If your projects require frequent use of boom lifts, purchasing may be more cost-effective in the long run. Ownership allows you to have the equipment readily available whenever needed, eliminating rental costs and availability concerns. Conversely, if your need for a boom lift is occasional or project-specific, hiring may be a more economical solution.

Project Duration and Scope

Evaluate the duration and scope of your projects. For short-term projects or specific tasks, hiring a boom lift can be advantageous. This option allows you to rent the equipment for the duration of the project without the long-term commitment of ownership. In contrast, if your projects are ongoing and require consistent access to a boom lift, purchasing may be more appropriate.

Financial Considerations

Cost is a significant factor in the decision to hire or purchase a boom lift. Hiring typically involves lower upfront costs, as you only pay for the duration of use. However, rental costs can add up over time, particularly if you require the lift frequently. Conversely, purchasing a boom lift requires a substantial initial investment, but it can lead to long-term savings if used regularly. Consider your budget, financing options, and potential return on investment when making your decision.

Maintenance and Operating Costs

When you purchase a boom lift, you are responsible for its maintenance, inspections, and repairs. These ongoing costs can add up, particularly as the equipment ages. On the other hand, when you hire a boom lift, the rental company typically handles maintenance and repairs, allowing you to focus on your project without worrying about equipment upkeep. Evaluate your ability to manage maintenance and whether hiring might relieve you of this responsibility.

Storage and Transport

Consider the logistics of storing and transporting a boom lift. Owning a boom lift requires adequate storage space when the equipment is not in use. Additionally, you must have the means to transport the lift to and from job sites, which may require specialized vehicles and equipment. If storage and transport logistics are challenging for your business, hiring can eliminate these concerns, as rental companies typically deliver and pick up the equipment.

Tax Implications

The financial implications of hiring versus purchasing can also involve tax considerations. In many jurisdictions, renting equipment allows businesses to deduct rental expenses as operational costs. Meanwhile, purchasing equipment may allow for depreciation deductions, which can provide tax benefits over time. Consult with a tax professional to understand how these factors apply to your specific situation.

Technology and Upgrades

Boom lift technology is continually evolving, with new models offering enhanced safety features, fuel efficiency, and ease of use. If you purchase a boom lift, you may face challenges related to obsolescence as newer models become available. Hiring allows you to access the latest technology without the commitment of ownership. If staying current with the latest equipment is essential for your business, renting may be the better option.

Flexibility and Scalability

Hiring a boom lift offers greater flexibility and scalability for your business. If you have varying project requirements, rental options allow you to choose the right lift for each specific task without the burden of ownership. This adaptability can be particularly valuable in industries where project scopes frequently change. Conversely, owning equipment can limit your flexibility, especially if your needs evolve over time.

Risk Management

When deciding between hiring and purchasing, consider the risks associated with equipment ownership. Owning a boom lift involves financial risk, as equipment can depreciate over time and may require significant repair costs. Additionally, if business conditions change or projects slow down, you may find yourself with unused equipment. Hiring mitigates these risks, allowing you to adjust your equipment needs based on current project demands.

Insurance and Liability

Insurance is another critical consideration when deciding to hire or purchase a boom lift. When renting, the rental company typically assumes liability for the equipment, which can reduce your insurance costs. However, if you own the equipment, you must ensure it is adequately insured, which can involve additional costs and responsibilities. Evaluate your insurance needs and how they align with your decision to hire or purchase.

Conclusion

The decision to hire or purchase a boom lift is multifaceted and depends on various factors unique to your business needs. By carefully evaluating the frequency of use, project duration, financial considerations, maintenance responsibilities, storage and transport logistics, tax implications, technology, flexibility, risk management, and insurance, you can make a more informed decision.For businesses that require a boom lift on a frequent basis for ongoing projects, purchasing may provide long-term savings and convenience. However, if your needs are sporadic or project-specific, hiring can be a more practical solution that alleviates the burdens of maintenance, storage, and transport. Ultimately, the best choice will align with your operational requirements, financial capabilities, and long-term business strategy.By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can ensure that your business is equipped with the right tools to enhance productivity and safety on the job site. Whether you choose to hire or purchase, making an informed decision will contribute to the success of your projects and the overall efficiency of your operations.

[mtandtgroup-blog]

Discover the 4 most common scissor lift issues, their impact, and easy solutions to enhance safety, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifespan. Scissor lifts are versatile and widely used in construction, maintenance, and other industries. However, like any machinery, they come with their share of issues. Addressing these problems promptly can enhance safety, minimize downtime, and reduce repair costs.

[machineryhiremelbourne]

Enhance Workplace Safety with EWPA Yellow Card Melbourne and Boom Lift Hire Services

Managing elevated work platforms safely and efficiently begins with proper training and reliable equipment. At Quick Access, we provide EWPA Yellow Card Melbourne certification and dependable boom lift hire services to meet your project needs. Whether you need training or equipment, we help you work smarter and safer.

The EWPA Yellow Card Melbourne certification ensures operators gain essential skills to handle elevated work platforms like boom lifts and scissor lifts. This program focuses on safety protocols, hazard identification, and operational techniques, helping operators meet Australian workplace standards. By completing the training, you reduce risks on-site and ensure a more efficient workflow.

For projects requiring temporary equipment, our boom lift hire services offer a cost-effective solution. We provide a wide range of boom lifts designed for various applications, from indoor maintenance tasks to outdoor construction projects. Our fleet includes straight and articulated models, offering versatility and precision for tasks at height.

Choosing the right boom lift depends on factors such as working height, terrain, and load requirements. Our experienced team helps you select the best equipment for your project, ensuring safety and efficiency. Every boom lift in our hire fleet undergoes regular maintenance to deliver reliable performance when you need it most.

Combining EWPA Yellow Card Melbourne training with access to high-quality boom lifts gives you the tools to tackle any elevated task with confidence. At Quick Access, we focus on delivering comprehensive solutions that support safety and productivity across all industries.

Visit Quick Access today to enrol in EWPA Yellow Card Melbourne training or explore our extensive range of boom lift hire options. Let us provide the expertise and equipment you need to complete your projects successfully. Elevate your work with Quick Access and ensure every job gets done right the first time!

Source

[alex639145]

Boom Hire London | AFI Rentals

Hey folks! Are you looking for a boom lift hire in London? You have landed on the right page. AFI Rentals have a wide range of heavy machines in the UK. Visit our website to get more info.

[accessequipmenthireau]

Rise Above with Confidence: The Versatility of Cherry Picker Hire in Australia

In the dynamic landscape of construction and maintenance, the versatility of cherry picker hire in Australia stands out as a game-changer. These elevated work platforms offer a range of benefits, making them indispensable for various industries seeking efficient and safe solutions for working at heights.

1. Flexibility in Reach:

Cherry pickers, also known as elevated work platforms, provide unparalleled flexibility in reaching elevated spaces. Like All Terrain Crane Hire, from construction sites to maintenance tasks, they facilitate access to heights that would be challenging or unsafe using traditional methods.

2. Enhanced Productivity:

The agility and speed of cherry picker trucks for sale significantly enhance productivity. Workers can efficiently navigate through complex structures, completing tasks with precision and speed.

3. Safety First:

Safety is paramount in any work environment, especially at heights. Cherry pickers are equipped with safety features such as guardrails and harness points, ensuring a secure working platform and not need boom lift repairs. This minimizes the risk of accidents and enhances the overall safety of the work site.

4. Versatility Across Industries:

Cherry pickers find applications across diverse industries, showcasing their versatility. Whether it's construction, painting, electrical maintenance, or even film production, these elevated platforms adapt to various needs, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution.

5. Cost-Effective Solution:

Opting for cherry picker hire eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in purchasing specialized equipment. Businesses can access these versatile machines as needed, resulting in a more cost-effective solution for both short-term and long-term projects.

6. Environmental Considerations:

Many modern cherry pickers incorporate environmentally friendly features, such as energy-efficient systems and reduced emissions. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices, making cherry pickers an eco-conscious choice for businesses.

7. Training and Expertise:

Cherry picker hire often comes with trained operators, alleviating the need for additional training expenses. This ensures that the equipment is operated efficiently and safely, with operators well-versed in handling the specific requirements of different tasks.

From flexibility and enhanced productivity to a focus on safety and environmental considerations, these elevated work platforms provide a comprehensive solution. Businesses that embrace cherry picker hire rise above challenges with confidence, delivering results that are both efficient and safe.

Source

[punkshort]

The Farmer's Daughter

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x f!reader one-shot

Summary: Forced to sell your body after your father's farm went under, you find yourself hand picked to service the Roman army on their latest battle away from Rome. What you didn't expect was to be selected to share General Acacius's room for the duration of the journey.

Warnings: language, smut (18+ MDNI), heavy talks of prostitution, mentions of SA but none occur, reader is a (new) prostitute, virginity loss (no blood mentioned just some discomfort), descriptions of battle wounds/blood, food and alcohol consumption, one bed trope, enemies to lovers-ish, unprotected piv sex, thigh riding, angst, possessiveness

WC: 10.2K

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

A/N: I know by this point his character is mostly referred to as Acacius in the film but I'm sorry, I can't wrap my head around someone moaning that name in bed. So let's just ignore that, okay?

How did this happen? Why did fate play you such a cruel and twisted hand?

When you were younger, you expected to be married off to be a housewife to a solider. From what you heard growing up, it wasn't a terrible life. The men were gone most of the time which allowed the women to run the household and raise children in peace. Unfortunately, your mother died during childbirth and your father, a humble farmer, passed away too early in life, leaving you and his few workers to keep the farm operating for as long as possible. To make money, you spent much of your time at the market, selling the food you made on the farm and the goods you weaved and molded from the scraps.

It wasn't enough. You lost the farm after a handful of years and you were on the brink of becoming destitute. Already you were malnourished and dehydrated, but as hard as you tried, you couldn't find work.

That was how you found yourself in a long line of women, standing silently with your heads bowed and your hands clasped as you were all throughly inspected by a senior officer of the Roman army. They were choosing their group of whores to hire to accompany the men on their next battle across the sea. You were left with no other option but to sell your only remaining asset. The thought turned your stomach, but the idea of starving to death was worse.

One by one, women were hand picked to step forward and exit the room. All in all it had to have been close to forty whores hired to service an entire army.

The odds were not in your favor if you were picked.

It came as a relief when you ended up not getting chosen. You breathed a deep sigh and lifted your chin, scanning the room of remaining women and senior ranking soldiers. You would make do somehow. At least you wouldn't be spreading your legs multiple times a night for different men after they've spent the day fighting and working up their appetite.

You turned to follow the women back out onto the streets of Rome, no doubt searching for another way to sell their bodies, when you heard a deep, familiar voice call your name. You froze in disbelief, wondering who could possibly know you, and then you slowly turned.

It was General Acacius. The fearless leader of the Roman army, but you knew him from your stand in the market. Whenever he was home from battle, he always found you and purchased more than he could possibly need, feeding you and your farmhands for weeks. He never said much and neither did you, but you had grown fond of seeing his greying curls and dark, smoldering eyes approach your stall, albeit with a new wound or scar to show for his travels.

You did not even realize he knew your name.

His eyes drifted up and down your worn tunic, noticing the stains and rips and your poor fitting sandals. Your gaze flickered nervously around the room at the other men impatiently looking to wrap up their work and begin their long journey, but remained silent, deferring to the general.

"You will come with us," was all he said, his voice booming in the small room. Your blood ran cold and panic seized your throat.

"But the choices have already been made-"

"I am paying. I believe I am allowed to decide how many whores we bring along."

You clamped your mouth shut, brows furrowing in anger. How foolish you were to assume he was a man of honor, a man who wanted to help you when he bought your meager wares in the market. As it turned out, he was no better than any other, only out to seek pleasure between your legs.

At that point, you knew better than to argue. Your fate was sealed. Begrudgingly, you forced yourself to follow after the other chosen women, walking past the high ranking officials who sized you up as you went.

The army was to travel by ship. Or multiple ships, to be exact. The women were counted off and told to stand in smaller groups, one handful of whores for each ship of hungry soldiers. When your group was assigned, you heard that familiar powerful voice come out of nowhere once again, stopping everybody in their paths.

"She is to travel on mine," General Acacius announced. A few men exchanged confused glances and Acacius grew irritated. "That one," he clarified, pointing directly at you. The other men quickly nodded and shuffled you into another group, and you thought that would be the end of it, but then he spoke again as the others began to board.

"She will stay in my chambers."

If the soldiers were surprised, they hid it well, but you didn't. You whipped around and glared at him defiantly, a litany of disrespectful curses on the tip of your tongue. Thankfully, you remembered your place and who you were speaking to and caught yourself before you got killed, but as you turned to board the ship, you noticed an amused smirk play across the general's lips.

A young solider shoved you into the general's quarters, ordering you to not go through his things or they would cut off your hands, then slammed the door shut, leaving you all alone. The rest of the women had gone below deck, most likely to a shared room that was filthy and freezing cold. You, on the other hand, had a beautiful soft bed and a roaring fire to warm yourself by a small wooden dining table. There was a bookshelf tucked into the corner and your fingers itched to pull the books out and examine them, but you didn't dare. Instead, you sat on the small cushioned bench next to the only porthole in the room, tucking your knees against your chest protectively while you waited for the inevitable.

Sleep took hold of you at some point while you waited for the general to retire. The last thing you remembered was the open sea and the glorious golden sun beginning to dip just below the horizon. When you awoke, it was dark, the only light in the room coming from the fire. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes and unfurled yourself from your bench to look around, then nearly yelped when you found the general quietly sitting at the table pouring himself wine.

Your heart raced violently in your chest, knowing full well what he expected of you. And despite offering yourself up earlier that day as a whore, you had decided you would not do it for this man. Because this man came to your booth in the market under the guise of kindness that turned out to be a lie, and it simply did not sit right with you.

"I will not lie with you willingly," you announced boldly with your arms crossed. The general quirked an eyebrow and took a long sip of his wine.

"When was the last time you have eaten?"

You scowled, body vibrating with energy and ready for a fight only to be met with indifference.

"I am not hungry."

"You will eat or you will die," he said, avoiding your eye and standing to collect a plate of food by the door. He dropped it onto the table and pointed angrily at it. "Eat."

"Why?"

"You need your strength, you are frail."

"You do not like your whores thin, then?" you shot back. Acacius clenched his jaw, eyes still cast down. "You wish to fatten me up so you have something to hold onto when you force my legs apart?"

"That is enough!" he roared, fiery eyes finally finding yours and pinning you with an intense stare that had you trembling. "I will not be forcing you to do anything except eat. Now sit down, do not test my patience."

It was a combination of fear and hunger that made you obey, sinking down into the chair opposite his where the plate of lukewarm food awaited you. Acacius sat down and picked up his goblet, watching you from over the rim as you slowly began to pick at the food. You both remained silent while you ate and he drank, the only sound to be heard was the crackling from the fire and the distant laughter and yells from his men in the galley below.

He was right. You hadn't eaten in days. It was no wonder you fell asleep so quickly earlier. You wanted to express your thanks, but you were too stubborn. Instead, you finished your food and put the plate in the basin of water by the door before looking around the room once again. It was easily the nicest room on the ship. You had to imagine most of the soldiers would be sleeping in hammocks stacked on top of one another down below, but the general had the biggest, softest looking bed you had ever seen in your life.

But there was only one.

He watched you from his place at the table, studying your face as you worked out the mechanics.

"I will not force myself upon you if we share the bed," he said, dragging your attention back to him. He was still in his armor, all shiny and clean from the public celebration that took place prior to the army's departure.

"Why am I here, if not to pleasure you?" you asked. You sounded calmer than before but you were still very much on edge.

"You believe I would find pleasure in forcing myself upon a woman?" he questioned before draining his cup. You thought about it for a moment and shrugged.

"Perhaps. Yes."

He stared down at his empty chalice, your heinous opinion of him rolling around in his head and making his chest ache.

"Well, I do not," he proclaimed, standing up quickly and causing his chair to almost topple backwards. He began to unhook his heavy armor, dropping it into a pile on the floor until he was down to his tunic.

"If we were to lie together, it would be because you wish it so," he said softly with his back to you. You swallowed thickly.

"What am I to do here, then?" you asked as he began to turn down his sheets. He slid his tired body into bed and sighed.

"Whatever you like. So long as you stay in this room, you will remain unharmed."

You blinked rapidly, desperately trying to put the pieces together.

"That is all?"

"Yes. That is all. My only wish is you are safe and fed."

You couldn't help it. You had to ask.

"But... why?"

But the general rolled onto his side, effectively ending your conversation and leaving you wondering what you had gotten yourself into.

That first night, you did not share his bed. You slept on the bench by your porthole, curled up small, arms wrapped around yourself protectively until the sun rose. When you awoke, the general was gone, but a plate of food was left on the table for you.

The first week on the ship went exactly the same. You stayed in his chambers, staring out at the sea or sleeping until he returned way past dark with some food for you and a tired look in his eye. And every night, you slept on the bench, still far too distrusting of him.

The second week, the general brought a game with him at dinner time. Two cups and two wooden dice. The idea was you had to guess what you would roll. If you won, you got whatever you bet on the round. It wasn't that entertaining at first since you had only the clothes on your back and nothing else, but what you did have were stories or songs or a slight of hand trick your father taught you when you were young.

You wouldn't realize until much later that it was his way of getting to know you better.

"You released all the cows from the pasture?" Acacius repeated in disbelief. You giggled and nodded.

"I was only six years old! I thought they were being held against their will!"

Acacius laughed, the sound making you grin like a fool and your cheeks warm.

"Alright," he said once he got ahold of himself. "Go on."

You picked up the die and tossed them into a cup, giving it a firm shake and smiling when he shot you a playful wink.

You clapped the cup firmly over the table and before you raised it up, you announced, "One three and one five."

"What is your wager?"

You nodded towards his bookshelf. "One of your books."

He looked up at you in shock. "You can read?"

You gave him a fake look of disgust and nodded. "Of course I can read."

"And you have been here this whole time without picking up a book?"

"Your men told me they would cut off my hands if I touched what is yours."

His face softened and he sat back in his chair.

"No one will touch you," he told you firmly. You stared at one another, the heavy moment weighing between you, the implication of his words impossible to deny. No one will touch you because you are his.

To break the tension, you smirked and said, "So I suppose that means I do not need to wager the books?"

Acacius grinned and shook his head. "Too late, little one."

You rolled your eyes and lifted the cup, pouting when you saw two six's.

"Your turn," you said, pushing the cup to the side.

Acacius collected the dice and dumped them into the cup, shaking it while looking at you curiously from across the table and admiring the way the light from the fire flickered over your beautiful face.

"You can still take a book."

You perked up but shook your head. "That is against the rules of the game, General."

"I make the rules. Take a book tomorrow," he insisted before slamming the cup down. His large hand gripped the top of the cup, keeping it pressed tightly against the table.

"Your wager?" you asked, cocking your head to the side.

He swallowed, wondering if he should say what he wanted to say. The fear that you would pull away from him again fought against the insatiable attraction he had harbored for you for years. But the wine must have won the fight because he said, "One kiss."

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise and for a moment, he thought he made a horrible mistake. But then you squared your jaw and narrowed your eyes and said, "Go ahead."

He grinned, pulse thrumming excitedly in his throat when he said, "One one and one four."

But when he lifted the cup, his face fell. A three and a six.

"Ah, well," he said, shoulders drooping. He yawned and stood to collect the dice. "Better luck tomorrow."

Before you could stop yourself, you stood as well and leaned up to peck a chaste kiss against his scruffy cheek. He looked at you in surprise and you gave him a crooked grin.

"For the book."

He smiled and nodded, doing his best to hide his disappointment as you got yourself ready for bed. You had a small pillow and thin blanket to curl up with by the porthole, and it irked him that you wouldn't take more. He feared you would catch a sickness and your malnourished body wouldn't be able to fight off an infection, but you were so stubborn that he couldn't convince you otherwise.

However, the third and final week at sea had you shivering on your bench. Acacius could hardly sleep knowing how cold you were. He could hear your teeth chattering from across the room.

"I beg of you, please sleep in my bed," he said one night as you began to make your little nest by the porthole. You shook your head.

"I am fine, I swear it."

"You are not fine. Please, I will not touch you, you have my word."

You chewed on your lower lip and looked over his shoulder at his warm, plush bed. He could see your resolve begin to falter, so he offered to sleep on the bench in your place.

"No, do not be ridiculous. You have an army to lead tomorrow, you cannot be tense as a knot because you slept on a too small bench."

"I will if it means you are safe and warm," he said softly, his vulnerability taking you off guard.

"General-" you sighed, but he cut you off.

"Please. I promise I will remain on my side of the bed. Just stop being so stubborn for once in your life."

You scoffed and propped your hands on your hips. "For once in my life? And what would you know of it?"

He squinted at you and crossed his arms. "I know more than you think. I know you would not quit until you broke in that filly when you were twelve years old. I know you nearly pushed a boy down a well when he tried to kiss you in front of the whole school. I know you argued with your teacher over the correct spelling of amaranth and I know you poured every last bit of yourself into a dying farm just to keep the memory of your father alive."

Your jaw hung open in surprise, taken aback by the way he stored all of the little snippets of your life you had given him over the past two weeks only to end it with his own observation of you at the market.

You could feel yourself growing weak for him, the temptation to give in too much to bear. He had been slowly wearing you down since you arrived and perhaps he was right, perhaps you were far too stubborn because the last thing you wanted to do was go back on the proclamation you made that very first night.

So, you chose to be defiant.

"Fine," you snapped, swiveling on your heel and stomping towards his bed. "If you wish to share your bed with a whore so badly, then so be it."

Acacius rounded the bed and slipped in beside you, making sure to leave plenty of space.

"You and I both know you are no whore."

"Oh, you know so very much about me, I forget."

You tugged the heavy blankets up to your chin and tried not to audibly sigh at how comfortable it was in his bed.

"If you are a whore, tell me then: how many men have you laid with?"

You clenched your jaw, angry that he was able to figure you out so easily. Instead of answering, you rolled onto your side, your back to him, and muttered, "good night."

Acacius grinned and closed his eyes, proud of himself for besting you.

"Good night."

The following morning, you awoke earlier than usual. When your eyelids fluttered open, the first thing you noticed was the ache in your bones was gone. The large, soft bed had been enough to cure you in just one night.

Not something you planned on admitting to the general, of course.

The second thing you noticed when you sat up in bed was that the ship was not moving. It was completely still, and you could hear loud, quick footsteps outside your door and above your head. Men were shouting to one another and the clink of swords and armor were echoing throughout the halls. Then, through the walls somewhere above you, you heard the general's deep, booming voice yelling orders to his men. You threw off the blankets and hurried to the porthole, your eyes widening when you saw land and small boats being lowered into the water.

You had arrived at whatever distant land the emperors demanded Acacius claim for Rome, and the soldiers were getting ready to depart for their first fight.

You chewed nervously on your nail, curled up against the wall and peering out the window for hours until the very last boat sailed away. In the distance, you could see the general's broad back covered in armor, his dark curls fluttering in the sea breeze and his massive sword tucked dutifully at his waist.

He had left for war and didn't even say goodbye.

Why would you care if he said goodbye? Maybe if they all die, you could escape to shore and be free, find a new city and make a home for yourself.

Even you had to admit that fantasy was foolish. No matter where you went, your fate would always be the same. You had no money, no prospects, no skills and no family. Your destiny was already written and it was a miracle your first attempt at prostitution landed you in the cushy quarters of Rome's surprisingly respectful general.

Your nerves kept your feet moving all day. You tidied up the general's desk, sorting his papers and maps. You scrubbed at the dishware until they sparkled and you made the bed, fluffing up the pillows and tucking in the loose edges until you had nothing left to do. The room was as neat as possible, not a single item out of place, and yet you still floundered around looking for something to occupy your busy mind.

When the sun began to dip and his room grew darker, you went around lighting candles to allow for more light. You were in the middle of lighting the last candle when you heard a timid knock at the door.

Nobody had ever come to his chambers the entire three weeks besides the general himself. You swallowed anxiously, wondering who it could be and if you should answer when you heard a woman's small voice from the other side of the door.

You decided it was safe and opened the door a crack to find one of the whores you had boarded the ship with waiting on the other side with buckets of water and a basin.

"For the general," she said softly. You nodded and dragged the buckets into the room, trying not to stare at the bruises and dirt littering her dry skin. Your stomach twisted with guilt after she left and you locked the door. The other women were living like cattle and you were living the life of luxury. Not only was the general not forcing you to fuck him, but you were giving him sass at every turn.

It was a harsh reminder of your fortune, of what your life could be like. The thought of living the life of the women below deck frightened you, so you had decided that evening when the general returned, you would give yourself to him to show your appreciation, as well as out of fear he would soon get rid of you if you didn't give him what he wanted.

You remained at your post, staring out at the dark sea until you could see the bobbing of lanterns making their way across the black expanse, letting you know the men were returning for the night. You rushed to warm up his water over the fire, dumping it into the large basin. You poured some scented oils into the bath just as the door unlocked and opened, revealing a very filthy and exhausted looking general holding two plates of food.

"Good evening," you said, standing obediently. Acacius paused at the door, confused by your formality before closing it with his heel and setting down the food at the table. "I have a warm bath ready for you, General," you added, pointing towards the basin. He nodded tiredly and began to work on the hooks of his armor. You rushed forward to help him, once again taking him by surprise until he was stripped down to his red tunic.

"Would you like to eat or bathe first?" you asked. The general sighed and looked longingly at the bath.

"I will clean myself while you eat," he said. He pointed towards the table and motioned for you to turn around.

"May I assist you instead, General?" you asked with your back turned. You could hear the shuffle of fabric falling to the wooden floor and then a sharp hiss when he sunk down into the warm water.

"Assist me with what? Cleansing myself? I believe I can manage," he chuckled. You turned around to stare at the back of his head, his body now submerged in the water and hidden from view, but you could still see his shoulders and arms. They looked bruised and bloodied.

He didn't notice your eyes on him, of course. He was busy scrubbing the dirt and blood from his skin while he looked around the tidy room.

"It is very nice in here, you did not have to straighten up."

It was the least you could do and you knew it but said nothing.

Instead, you shakily lifted your worn tunic over your head and let it crumple to the floor. Nerves fluttered in your stomach as you slowly approached him, the general completely unaware as he continued to scrub his skin.

"I can think of another way to assist you," you said nervously as you stepped into his eyeline. His chin tilted up and he did a double take when he saw your naked form standing before him. His cloth dropped into the water and his jaw fell open in surprise, eyes wide and greedily raking over your body.

"Wh- what is this?" he stammered, gaze glued to your chest. Your fingers fidgeted at your sides under his scrutiny.

"I thought I would show you my appreciation for your hospitality," you explained. "I would like to repay you in some way for choosing me to share your quarters."

A small smile tugged at his lips as he eagerly reached forward, then stopped when he registered your words. He looked up at you questioningly, excitement falling from his face when he asked, "What do you mean, repay me?"

You shrugged and took a hesitant step forward, close enough now so he could reach out and touch your cunt if he chose.

"I realized today my fate could have been much harsher," you explained. "I have not been showing you my appreciation and respect, and in return, I wish to give you my body to use as you see fit."

Acacius frowned and turned his head away, searching for the cloth so he could continue cleaning himself.

"I do not want your body as payment, I believe I told you that weeks ago."

"You said we would not lie together unless I wished it so," you protested. "I now wish it."

"You wish to lay with me out of obligation, not desire. That is not something I want."

Embarrassment and confusion flooded your mind as you slowly stretched your arms across your exposed body, trying to hide yourself out of shame.

"I apologize-"

"Get yourself decent and eat," he commanded without looking up. His voice sounded hard and cold and for some reason, it made you want to cry. You did as you were told, dragging your dirty tunic over your head and sat quietly at his table to pick at your food. You were confused and ashamed, sitting in the tense room with him while you tried to work out what he wanted from you. The idea of wanting a man out of desire never occurred to you. You had grown up under the impression women of your station did not get to experience the luxury of desire, and instead came to terms early on in life that you always had one asset to use at your disposal.

Not one time did you ever imagine being with a man out of affection or love.

"I apologize," you tried again after he had dried off and joined you. He had changed into a clean, white tunic and was clenching a similar one in his fist.

"You may use this," he said, ignoring your apology yet again. He thrusted the tunic towards you and you fumbled when you took it from his grasp. "The one you are wearing looks as if it might fall apart the moment you step outside and feel the sea breeze."

"Thank you," you murmured, fingertips brushing over the soft and expensive material in your lap.

"I will also call for more water tomorrow so you may wash yourself," he said before biting into a chunk of bread.

Your cheeks went hot with shame, still feeling guilt over the mercy and generosity he had shown you.

"I do not know what it is to desire someone," you said after a few quiet moments. Acacius continued to chew and kept his focus fixed on his plate. "I never imagined it would be a part of my life. May I remind you we come from different worlds."

He grunted in response but you noticed his shoulders begin to relax.

"I understand. But you must stop treating yourself as a whore. You are so much more than that, I have seen it with my own eyes. And to watch you debase yourself, to think so lowly of yourself, breaks my heart."

Your breath caught in your throat and you felt tears begin to well up, quickly threatening to spill down your cheeks. How could you have been so wrong? How could you not see the man for who he really was? He was a man who was gentle, kindhearted, protective and most importantly, cared very deeply for you. To what extent, you were unsure, but if he wanted you to desire him and he saved you from being used by countless other men, he certainly must have harbored stronger feelings than you ever thought possible.

"Alright."

His dark eyes flicked up to yours when you spoke.

"I will not debase myself," you said flatly. The corner of his mouth twitched before he looked back down at his food.

"Very well. I am pleased that has been sorted," he replied before shoving his plate off to the side and standing to collect the cups and dice. "Shall we play a few rounds before bed?"

You grinned and nodded, gathering up your plates and dumping them in the water by the door to clean later before joining him back at the table. And somehow, the awkwardness from the evening faded away after a few rolls of the dice.

It had been two weeks docked off shore on some foreign land. You hadn't left his room in over a month and you were beginning to feel insane. You told him as much early one morning when he was dressing for battle. It was still dark outside. Acacius had mentioned he wanted to arrive on shore before dawn so that he might get into position under the cover of night.

"When I return tonight, I will take you up on the deck for some fresh air," he promised as he cinched up his armor. "Do not leave this room when I am not here."

"Why not? Are your men not with you during the daytime?" you asked from his bed.

"It is not my men I worry about," he explained, sheathing his sword after lacing up his sandals.

"Then what do you worry for?"

"I worry about everything," he confessed. His hand was on the doorknob poised to leave, but he stopped to turn to you one last time. "I do not trust the soldiers from this city not to try to climb aboard the ships whilst we are gone. It is important the ships appear empty."

You nodded in understanding before burrowing back in his sheets and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of you looking comfortable and radiant in his bed.

"Behave, my dove, and we may dine on the deck tonight," he said, making you smile wide. He slipped quietly out of his room and locked the door behind him, fearful if he lingered any longer, he may not leave the ship the whole day.

You spent the afternoon reading and bathing and cleaning the general's dirty clothes in the extra water he had brought up after he left. You weren't sure how it happened, but the two of you had fallen into a life of domesticity amidst war without even sharing so much as a kiss.

What surprised you the most was you enjoyed it. You enjoyed tending to his things and cleaning what you could during the day, and then caring for him at night when he returned all bloodied and tired.

It had not once crossed your mind that he may not return until it happened.

That night, you saw the lanterns bobbing over the water, your signal to begin heating up his water for a bath. Your hair smelled like the expensive oils you poured into his water from your own bath earlier. You smiled to yourself when you thought of smelling like him, and him of you.

Heavy footsteps landed on the wooden floorboards above your head and outside your door. At first, nothing seemed amiss. Acacius usually didn't come to his room right away. He typically visited the wounded soldiers in the infirmary, making sure they were well tended to and fed before doing his rounds, assigning a night crew, and then finally gathering food for you both before retiring for the evening.

But more time passed than usual. You could tell because your stomach began to rumble and his water grew lukewarm. You paced around the room, ears straining to hear the voices from the other soldiers, trying to discern anything from their muffled conversations.

It wasn't until two hours went by that you heard a sharp rap at the door and a man's voice echoing on the other side, announcing he brought you food.

Your blood went cold and you wondered if you should open the door, but then you remembered Acacius told you he wasn't worried about his own men, the underlying message being that his soldiers would never touch what was his. So after a moment's hesitation, you swung open the door.

"Here," a young man said, shoving one plate of food towards you. His face was stained with dried blood and dirt and you frowned before taking the food and thanking him softly.

"Where is the general?" you asked timidly.

"He fell in battle," he grumbled before turning away. Your heart plummeted as you reached out and grabbed his shoulder, taking him by surprise.

"What do you mean?" you exclaimed. Fear and adrenaline mixed with something foreign coursed through your veins as you felt your lower lip tremble. The solider shook you off with disgust before stepping back.

"He was struck down. Last I saw of him he was lying still on the battlefield."

When he saw the look of despair on your face, he took pity on you.

"Others were assisting him, his body will return to Rome," he assured you before giving you a firm nod and disappearing down the long hall, leaving you to collapse into a fit of sobs behind the locked door.

The feeling you had in your chest was similar to the way you felt when your father passed, but something was different. It felt like a piece of you went dark, like you may never smile or laugh ever again. Grief consumed every fiber of your being and you found yourself crawling into his bed, face streaked with tears so thick you could hardly see your hands reach for his pillow. You pulled it tightly against your chest and you curled up around it, muffling your wails until your head began to pound and your body felt weak.

You drifted in and out of sleep, tossing and turning until the room grew cold and the fire dissolved into embers. You stood and wrapped a blanket around yourself, sniffling and shuffling over to the fire to stoke the flames wearing the general's spare tunic he had gifted you. After a few minutes, the fire roared back to life and you sat back with a heavy sigh.

Just as you were wondering what you would do come morning and how you would ever be able to move on without him, you heard footsteps approaching. You whipped around in fear and tightened your grip on the blanket. With the general no longer around to protect you, you had assumed the other men would eventually come looking for you, but you had to admit you didn't expect it so fast.

You curled yourself into a ball on your old bench, staring at the doorknob, expecting to see it jiggle and eventually forced open from the other side, but to your surprise the lock clicked quietly and the door slowly creaked open.

When you saw the general appear, limping and bloodied but still alive, you practically screamed. You jumped to your feet and rushed over, moments away from throwing yourself into his arms before you caught yourself.

"Acacius," you whispered in disbelief, the informality slipping easily past your lips for the very first time. He gave you a tired smile and locked the door behind him.

"I apologize for missing dinner," he said. You laughed as two fresh tears trickled down your cheeks. Your hands hovered nervously over his armor as if you weren't sure where you could touch him.

"Apology accepted," you replied before gingerly unhooking the armor around his shoulders. He groaned with relief when you lifted the heavy metal off him and set it against the wall by the door to polish another time. When you turned back around, you gasped at the blood that had seeped through his tunic, staining the yellow fabric a dark red.

"You are hurt," you whimpered, then hurried around his room for clean cloths, healing oils, and salves he kept in his desk. "Take that off and sit down. Allow me to tend to your wound."

He wordlessly lifted the ruined tunic over his head, wincing slightly when the wound at his side pulled, and he sat down at the table just as you instructed. You collected some of the unused water from his bath and set it over the flames to warm up before scooping up some more and setting it on the table next to him.

"They stemmed the bleeding on the boat," he explained. "It just needs to be cleaned and perhaps -"

"I will handle this. You just rest and eat," you told him, pushing your plate of uneaten food in his direction. His eyes fell onto the food and he frowned.

"It is untouched," he said, "why did you not eat?"

"How could I when I thought you were dead?" you snapped as you brought a soaked rag to his side and began to gently pat at the nasty looking gash.

Acacius took a bite of food, the flavors melting onto his tongue and making him groan. He didn't realize how hungry he was and before he knew it, he had eaten all of the food except for the grapes. You were leaning across his lap, bandaging up his wound with intense focus. He sighed contentedly, basking in the warmth from the fire and the soft touch of your hand on his skin. He could already feel his strength beginning to return.

"That should hold," you said, sitting upright to inspect your work. He glanced down and raised his eyebrows at the neat little bandage you had adhered to his wound.

"You did a very good job. Where did you learn such things?"

You shrugged and began to clean up the salves and oils. "On a farm, many accidents happen. You learn quickly how to tend to a wound."

He smiled and sipped from the wine you had poured for him while watching you move around the room, disposing of his soiled clothes and rags and then bringing the bucket of warm water over to the table with a fresh cloth.

When you pulled the other chair closer and sat, fitting your legs between his knees so you could reach him, he began to protest.

"You do not need to -"

"I want to," you said, cutting him off with a warm, wet cloth on his aching shoulders. His eyelids fluttered with a groan, leaning back into his chair and giving in. It felt so wonderful to be washed by your hand, to have you so close and safe while tenderly caring for him. It was all he had been dreaming about for years, ever since the first day he saw you at the market.

"So many scars," you whispered, swiping the cloth down his broad, strong chest. His breathing stuttered when you reached his stomach and he tensed.

"I have been in many battles," he murmured with his eyes still closed. You hummed to yourself and continued to work, diligently and carefully scrubbing away the layers of blood and grime until you cleaned everything you could see.

"Can you lean forward, General?" you asked, "I would like to cleanse your back."

He nodded and with a grunt, sat upright so he could lean forward. You stood from your chair and positioned yourself behind him, taking great care with every swipe of your cloth, afraid of unearthing a new wound under all the filth.

"Back to general now, are we?" he asked.

Your hand paused on his shoulder blade. He sensed your confusion and he chuckled.

"When I first arrived, you called me Acacius," he explained.

"Oh," you breathed before continuing your work. "That was disrespectful, I -"

"No, I quite liked it," he said before you could finish apologizing. "You may call me Marcus when we are alone, if you prefer."

Your eyes widened and although he couldn't see you, he could tell you were surprised.

"That would be highly irregular," you finally said softly, putting down the wet cloth and picking up a bottle of perfumed oil. You sprinkled a few drops into your palm and you rubbed your hands together. "That name should only be used by those closest to you."

He opened his mouth to respond but when your slick hands found his shoulders and your fingers began to dig into the knots in his muscles, he moaned and felt himself go lax.

"Oh gods, that feels incredible," he rasped. The deep timber of his voice sent a wave of arousal right to your core. You continued to work on his back and shoulders, privately marveling at his broad frame and firm muscles under his scarred, bronzed skin. He was truly something to behold. So strong, handsome, and fearless. Yet also kind and gentle. The proximity of his body and the ricocheting emotions you had experienced that evening had you reacting to him in a way you never had before. It was confusing and strange yet also exciting, and the noises you were drawing from his mouth with every roll of your thumbs was causing a dull ache to form between your thighs.

You blinked and cleared your throat, trying to shake the heavy curtain of lust that clung to you.

"What happened out there? One of your men informed me you were dead."

Marcus sighed and sat up straight, the angle causing you to drop your hands from his tight shoulders. One of his massive hands reached back to take yours so he could lead you to stand in front of him, between his knees.

"They had called a truce. They requested to discuss terms of surrender, so I called off my men and went to speak with their king," he began, his hand still engulfing your own as he gazed up at you with his soft, dark eyes. "It was a trap. They ambushed me when I got out of range. It must have been twenty of them," he continued solemnly, his thumb brushing against your wrist as he spoke. "I slayed them all, one by one, but once I took down their final solider, an archer took aim from the wall. I was able to dodge the arrow but I was not quick enough," he chuckled and looked down at his wound. "I am not the young man I once was."

"I cried for hours," you admitted quietly. His eyes darted up to yours again, holding his breath as you spoke. "I had never considered you would not return to me at the end of the day. However, when I got word you had died-"

You paused when a sob got lodged in your throat. You knit your brows together, hoping to stave off your tears while Marcus patiently waited. Eventually, you gave him a watery smile and lifted your free hand to cup his cheek.

"I felt a grief I never thought I would feel again," you said, voice shaking. His eyes searched your face, watching the way your anguish rolled through you at the memory. He swallowed tightly and, with his other hand, gently gripped your waist.

"Tell me," he whispered, "did you feel these things only because you feared for your safety if I was not here?"

You shook your head as one singular tear trickled down your cheek.

"No," you breathed, "it was because I felt like a part of me died, too. Because I could not imagine my life without you."

When you saw the joyful look in his eye, you quickly closed the remaining distance between you, leaning down the rest of the way and slanting your mouth desperately over his. He moaned and dropped your hand so he could cup the back of your neck, pulling you even closer so you were forced to straddle his lap.

"Do you know what you do to me?" he groaned amid kisses that were growing increasingly messy as the heat between you grew. "How badly I want you? How long I have waited?"

Your mind was blank. You couldn't think of a single thing to say, but Marcus didn't give you a chance to respond, anyway. His tongue slipped past your lips, greedily swirling in tandem with yours and forcing your jaw to open wider. The hand on your waist dropped to flatten against your lower back and he pressed you forward so not even a sliver of moonlight could sneak between your bodies.

Underneath your gifted tunic, you were bare. When you joined the other whores all those weeks ago, they told you there was no use for undergarments, that the men would just destroy them if you bothered to wear any, so just like all the others, you never did. It had never been a problem until that very moment, when Marcus had you writhing in his lap, hips stretched wide and cunt free to rub against his thigh. When you first made contact with his leg, the firm muscle brushing against your sensitive clit, you jumped in his lap and moaned into his mouth.

"Tell me, sweet thing," he murmured when he finally broke the kiss. You were panting heavily, eyelids drooping with need as you gazed down at him. "I know you have not sold yourself to a man, but have you ever laid with one before?"

You shook your head and wrapped your arms around the back of his neck, holding him close. His lips brushed up against your throat and he began to suck on the sensitive skin there as both of his hands fell to your hips. Gently, he rocked you back and forth, sliding your slick, bare cunt over his thigh. He heard you sigh and smiled against your skin when your head dipped backwards in pleasure.

"Does that feel good?"

"Yes," you whispered, voice raspy and thick. "Oh, yes, it feels... heavenly," you told him with a sigh.

"Good," he grunted, "keep going. Do not stop until you come. I will need you soft and wet before you take my cock."

"Yes, General," you replied obediently, making his cock jump behind his thin loincloth.

Marcus tugged at the back of your loose tunic, stretching the material across your breasts so your hardened nipples poked through. With a low growl, he lunged forward and wrapped his mouth around one, cloth and all. His teeth added a surprisingly tantalizing amount of pressure that had you gasping for air as your hips quickened their pace over his thigh. You must have been leaving streaks of arousal all over him but something told you he didn't mind.

"You desire me, yes?" he questioned when he switched his attention to your other breast. You nodded feverishly, face tilted towards the ceiling as you chased your pleasure.

"Yes," you gasped, "yes, Ge- Marcus."

He groaned so loudly you thought he might wake up the whole ship.

"Fuck, say that again."

You smiled and circled your hips faster, grinding down onto his thick leg. You were so close, you could taste it.

"Marcus," you whined, "oh, Marcus. I cannot wait to feel you inside of me. I just know you will make me feel so good, will you not?"

Suddenly, his hand was back on your neck and his mouth was pressed tightly against the underside of your jaw, not unlike a wild animal pinning his prey against his sharp fangs. You could feel his hot puffs of air fanning across your skin and his teeth scraping your throat. His intensity might have frightened you if you weren't on the brink of an earth shattering orgasm.

"I will make you feel so good, you will never want to take another lover again," he said darkly. The hairs on your arms stood up but you continued to rut yourself as fast as you could against his thigh, your own chest heaving as you fought for air. "And if I have it my way, you never will," he added.

His words were what tipped you over the edge. You cried out his name and clutched at his shoulders for support as your orgasm rolled through you, covering him with your slick.

Your body was still trembling in his arms when he lifted you up and carried you to the bed. You blinked rapidly in response, poised to argue with him about potentially reopening his wound, but before you could get a single word out he had tossed you onto the sheets and climbed on top of you, caging you in.

"Before I ravish you, my sweet, what do you know of coupling?"

You scoffed. "I am no fool, I know how it works."

Marcus chuckled at your snark and sat back on his heels to peel your tunic over your head, exposing yourself entirely to him. A groan rumbled through his wide, bare chest as he stared down at you hungrily, all spread out and ready for him.

"I cannot lie. Ever since you first stood before me naked, your beautiful body has consumed my every waking thought."

"It shows incredible restraint, then, for you to share a bed with me each night," you teased, eyes dancing playfully as he stripped himself of his loincloth.

"You have no idea," he growled, falling back onto his forearms. The tip of his nose nudged against yours affectionately. "I have waited years for this, my sweet."

The idea of any man pining after you, let alone the mighty General of Rome, was a strange and foreign concept.

"I am just the daughter of a poor farmer," you muttered, fingers brushing his peppered curls behind his ear.

"Your station means very little to me," he replied, looking down between your bodies so he could notch the thick head of his cock at your opening. "The heart wants what the heart wants."

Your pulse quickened when you felt the slight bit of pressure he applied. Knowing how it worked was one thing, experiencing it for the first time was another.

"I-I was told it may hurt," you said meekly. Marcus's eyes found yours and he tenderly cupped your jaw.

"Yes, that is true, but I promise it will not last long," he assured you. You swallowed and nodded before spreading your legs wider and hooking your ankles around the backs of his thighs.

"Tell me if it is too much," he murmured. He pressed your foreheads together, lips hovering above yours, ready to soothe you from the pain.

"Go on, then," you said bravely.

Slowly, he breeched your opening and sunk one inch inside of you. You gasped and dug your heels harder into his thighs, but Marcus held steady.

"Speak," he demanded after a few seconds of listening to your heavy breathing.

"It stings," you admitted, "but it is not... unpleasant."

He nodded and pecked a chaste kiss against your lips before giving you another inch. You whined and squirmed a bit but once you settled, he took it as his cue to continue. It went just like that until he finally found himself fully seated inside of your tight heat.

"The worst is over, my sweet," he told you.

You wiggled underneath him, moving this way and that until you got used to the feeling of him inside you. Your hands wrapped around the backs of his biceps and you stretched your neck so you could bite and nip playfully at his prickly jaw.

"I enjoy being full of you," you admitted shyly, eliciting a grunt from the back of his throat.

"Good," he grumbled before drawing back his hips and slowly easing himself back inside your warmth. "Because I intend on having you full of me as much as possible. I fear I will never have enough now that you have given me a taste."

Your jaw dropped open when he began to move faster, gently and steadily working you open, carving a space for himself inside of you forever. The only thing you wanted was to have him as close as you could, so you wrapped your arms around him and buried your face against his neck, molding your bodies together as one.

"My sweet girl," he panted, mouth hunting for yours. "You feel better than I ever dreamed. So fucking tight and wet. I cannot believe my fortune, that you would give yourself to me. I wonder if I did indeed die in battle and have ascended to the heavens."

The stretch was divine, his heavy length dragging in and out of you and nudging against a spot that made your stomach clench and your head grow fuzzy.

"Do not say such things," you scolded him breathlessly. His hips stilled for a moment, waiting for you to continue. "Do not jest about your death. My heart cannot handle it."

His eyes softened and his mouth crashed against yours with a groan, overcome that you would feel so strongly for him. He began to roll his hips again but kept his mouth latched onto yours, swallowing down your whimpers and moans.

"I will never leave you," he whispered against your lips. His thrusts grew quicker but he tried his best to be careful and not drive himself too deep for fear of causing you pain. "I will always return now that I have you waiting for me. I shall be invincible in battle."

You laughed lightly, dragging your mouth down his throat and tasting his freshly perfumed skin.

"Was that all it took for you to become immortal?" you teased.

"Yes," he hissed, "a cunt as snug and perfect as yours is all a man needs to give him purpose."

His hand slithered between your back and sheets, pressing his palm firmly against your spine so you arched underneath him. His knees spread wider so he could get better leverage, and he began to roughly snap his hips. You gasped and grabbed onto his hair, giving it a sharp tug and making him groan. It was lewd yet somehow romantic, hearing the sound of your skin slapping together in the otherwise quiet room.

"Does it hurt?" he managed to ask through clenched teeth.

"No," you whimpered inbetween the soft moans he drew every time his cock slammed back into you. "Oh gods, Marcus, please-"

"What do you need, my love?"

He sounded breathless, his voice slightly strained, and your chest burst with pride. You loved the idea of being the one who made such a strong man so very weak.

"I- I am not sure," you admitted truthfully. "It feels so wonderful, but it is different than before."

As it turned out, you didn't need to figure out what you needed because Marcus knew. Somehow, he managed to know your body better than you. He knew how to make it sing and thrum just for him.

His hand snuck between your bodies and the pad of his thumb found your clit. He rubbed firm, slow circles over the sensitive bud, and his name instantly flew from your mouth, loud and wild. You likely could be heard from shore, but Marcus never shushed you. In fact, he smiled and worked his thumb faster, drawing out more delicious moans with every stroke.

"You are so beautiful," he murmured while sucking a mark into your neck. He could feel your lower belly begin to tense and heard your breath waver, so he circled his hips faster, cock greedily plunging in and out of your soaked cunt, chasing his release with reckless abandon now that he could feel you were close.

"I have obsessed over you for years. Dreamed of having you all to myself, just like this," he continued. He could sense his words had a great effect on you. Your walls fluttered and pulsed around him when he admitted his deepest secrets, so he kept talking.

"Long nights spent on the cold ground in the middle of war, I would dream of you. I would wonder what you would be doing back in Rome. I would pray you did not find a husband while I was away."

Marcus gasped when your cunt gripped around him so tightly that it took his breath away. "The thought of you belonging to another was enough to drive me insane," he groaned before capturing your lips with his.

"I am yours," you rasped when he pulled away, and when your eyes locked, he could see the adoration he felt for you reflected right back. "For as long as you will have me, I am yours."

Marcus's eyes slid closed in bliss after hearing the words he so longed to hear. "Come for me, my love. Come for me and when we return home, I shall make you my wife. I will take care of you. I promise you will never go hungry again."

Your hands grappled with the back of his head, fingers threading through his unruly locks as you pulled him down for a searing kiss. He muffled the sounds of your orgasm, cries of his name dying in your throat while your body bucked wildly beneath him.

It only took a few moments before he joined you. With his hand roughly squeezing your hip, he yanked you towards him. His body stilled, pumping you full of his seed while your tongues danced together in tandem until his shoulders sagged and you began to shake.

Marcus flicked the sheets so he could toss them over your trembling bodies. He planted kisses along the side of your head and jaw, then brushed the hair away from your face until your breathing leveled and your eyes reopened.

"Are you alright?"

You nodded and gave him a weak smile. "I am tired."

Marcus withdrew his hips, sliding his softening cock out from your clutch. You cried out in pain and he instantly jolted out of bed to soak a clean rag in some leftover warm water, then hurried back to press it between your legs.

"Better?"

"Yes," you sighed. "Thank you."

He gave you a quick kiss and slid back under the covers. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest so he could nuzzle your hair and murmur sweet nothings in your ear.

"Must you leave me in the morning? Can you not spend just one day recovering from your wound?"

Marcus kissed your bare shoulder and shook his head.

"The war is almost done. Tomorrow, I will make them surrender so we may sail home and start our life together."

You grinned and burrowed deeper under the covers. "Did you mean that?"

"What is that, my love?"

"When you said you would make me your wife," you said sheepishly. "Or was that just your mind getting lost to desire?"

"No, I meant every word," he said before rolling over and snuffing out the candle next to the bed. "When we return to Rome, I will make you my bride. You will bear my children and I will watch them play in the garden with you by my side."

You hummed and closed your eyes. "That sounds lovely."

You had very little idea of the politics in Rome and how the highest ranking general of the Roman army could possibly announce he was going to wed a poor farmer's daughter, but you knew deep down if Marcus wanted it, he would somehow make it happen. You knew this because his determination always won, on and off the battlefield.

After all, you were living proof of it.

[equipmenthiremelbourne]

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These suppliers have facilities to hire their lifting equipment for flexible periods and businesses only need to pay for the exact amount of time they require it. 

Meanwhile, businesses must search for their required lifting mechanisms online and they can find the right supplier nearby. Check their websites and contact them to learn more about their services, customer support and pricing to compare with other companies available in the market.

Finally, connect the right lift hire service and get versatile, cost-effective, and top-quality lifting solutions to increase productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Source

[rmnerectors]

We provide a variety of Truck Mounted Boom Lifts for Rental and It’s available for all different situations. We offer some of our most popular lifts when considering platform rental access.

[afirentalsuk]

Find the Best Boom Lift Hire Near Me: Affordable and Convenient

Looking for a boom lift hire near you? Our reliable and affordable boom lift rental services are perfect for any project requiring high-reaching equipment. With convenient locations and a variety of boom lifts to choose from, we've got you covered. Contact us today to find the best boom lift hire near you! https://www.afi-rentals.co.uk/machine-hire/articulating-boom-lifts/

[hiresafesolutions]

Upward Mobility: Exploring the Benefits of Scissor Lift Hire

In the realm of construction, maintenance, and various industrial applications, the ability to work at height safely and efficiently is paramount. Traditional methods such as ladders and scaffolding have their limitations, often posing safety risks and hindering productivity. This is where scissor lifts come into play. These versatile machines, with their stable platforms and impressive vertical reach, offer a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance project outcomes. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the advantages of scissor lift hire, uncovering how they provide upward mobility while improving safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Understanding Scissor Lifts

At the heart of scissor lift hire lies a fundamental understanding of what these machines are and how they function. A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform characterized by a crisscrossing mechanism that elongates and retracts, giving it a vertical lifting motion. This mechanism allows the platform to be raised to various heights, providing workers with a stable and secure elevated work area.

Types of Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts come in various configurations to suit different project requirements and environments:

Electric Scissor Lifts: These lifts are powered by electricity and are ideal for indoor applications where emissions and noise levels need to be minimized. Electric scissor lifts offer quiet operation and zero emissions, making them suitable for use in warehouses, factories, and other enclosed spaces.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts: Designed for outdoor use on uneven or rough terrain, these lifts feature robust tires and sturdy construction to navigate challenging conditions. Rough terrain scissor lifts are commonly used in construction sites, outdoor events, and landscaping projects that require access to elevated work areas.

Diesel Scissor Lifts: These lifts are powered by diesel engines and are suitable for outdoor applications where extended runtime and high lifting capacities are required. Diesel scissor lifts offer greater versatility and mobility compared to electric models, making them well-suited for large-scale construction projects and industrial maintenance tasks.

Advantages of Scissor Lift Hire

Enhanced Productivity: Scissor lift hire significantly enhances productivity by providing quick and safe access to elevated work areas. Workers can efficiently carry out tasks such as construction, maintenance, and installation without the delays and limitations associated with traditional access methods.

Improved Safety: Safety is a top priority in any work environment, especially when working at height. Scissor lifts offer a stable and secure platform for workers, reducing the risk of falls and injuries associated with ladders or scaffolding. Features such as guardrails, safety interlocks, and emergency descent systems further enhance safety measures.

Versatility and Maneuverability: Scissor lifts are highly versatile machines that can adapt to various job site conditions and requirements. With their compact size and maneuverable design, operators can navigate through narrow aisles, doorways, and other tight spaces with ease. This versatility maximizes efficiency and effectiveness, especially in confined work areas.

Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring a scissor lift offers a cost-effective solution for accessing elevated work areas without the need for significant capital investment. Rental companies typically offer flexible rental terms to accommodate project durations and budgets, eliminating the upfront costs of equipment purchase and ownership, as well as ongoing maintenance and storage expenses.

Environmental Considerations: Many scissor lifts are designed with environmental considerations in mind, incorporating features such as electric power options and low-emission engines. By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, these eco-friendly models contribute to a more sustainable work environment and align with corporate sustainability goals.

Best Practices for Scissor Lift Operation

To maximize the benefits of scissor lift hire and ensure safe and efficient operation, it is essential to follow best practices:

Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections to check for any signs of damage or mechanical issues.

Ensure that operators are properly trained and certified to operate scissor lifts safely.

Adhere to manufacturer guidelines and recommended load capacities to prevent overloading the platform.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses and helmets, when working at height.

Be mindful of environmental factors such as wind speed and terrain conditions that may affect stability and operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scissor lift hire offers a multitude of benefits for enhancing safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness in construction, maintenance, and industrial projects. The versatility, maneuverability, and eco-friendliness of scissor lifts make them indispensable assets for accessing elevated work areas with ease. By understanding the different types of scissor lifts, considering key features, and following best practices for operation, organizations can leverage this equipment to provide upward mobility while staying competitive in today's dynamic market landscape. As the demand for efficient and safe access solutions continues to grow, scissor lift hire remains a strategic investment for companies looking to maximize their operational efficiency and achieve optimal project outcomes.

[mtandtgroup-blog]

Are you looking for the top boom lift rental companies in Chennai to assist you with your construction projects? Whether you need a boom lift for a short-term or long-term rental, Mtandt offer many options to meet your specific requirements.

[machineryhiremelbourne]

Achieve Safety and Efficiency with EWPA Yellow Card and Scissor Lift for Hire

Working at heights requires the right training and equipment to ensure safety and productivity. At Quick Access, we provide EWPA Yellow Card certification and a wide range of scissor lift for hire options, helping you tackle projects confidently and efficiently.

The EWPA Yellow Card equips operators with essential skills for using elevated work platforms like scissor lifts and boom lifts. Our training focuses on practical techniques, safety procedures, and compliance with Australian standards. By completing the course, operators gain the knowledge to handle equipment efficiently, reducing risks and improving workflow on-site.

For projects requiring temporary solutions, our scissor lift for hire services deliver flexibility and reliability. Whether you need a compact model for indoor tasks or a rugged lift for outdoor applications, we have the right equipment for your needs. Each lift offers stability, precision, and ease of operation, ensuring you can work at height safely and effectively.

Choosing the right scissor lift depends on factors such as working height, load capacity, and terrain. Our experienced team helps you select the ideal equipment, ensuring it matches your project requirements. By using our scissor lift for hire, you gain access to top-performing equipment without the long-term commitment of ownership.

Combining the EWPA Yellow Card with access to high-quality scissor lifts enhances workplace safety and efficiency. Quick Access supports you with both training and equipment, providing everything you need to complete your projects successfully.

Visit Quick Access to enrol in EWPA Yellow Card training or explore our extensive range of scissor lift for hire options. Let us help you create a safer and more productive work environment with expert guidance and premium equipment. With Quick Access, you can elevate your operations and achieve outstanding results on every project!

Source

[hannieehaee]

Watching the new ATLA show I had the thought that Joshua would be an earthbender (with those giant hands of his) and now I have a new fantasy of getting railed by earthbender!joshua 😔🤚🏽

18+ / mdi

content: earthbender!joshua, implied e2l, reader is supposed to be zuko's sister for some reason but it doesnt really make much difference to the blurb, afab reader, smut, penetrative sex, etc.

wc: 1006

a/n: so sorry for how long ive left this unanswered 😭😭 and thank you so much to the anons who gave me context about avatar since ive never watched it<3

masterlist

"oh, it's you again."

"don't act like you're not here to see me," the man chuckled condescendingly at you, carrying a smile far too charming for you to roll your eyes at.

"what can i get for you today?", he asked after moments of enjoying your annoyance at him.

"the usual," you responded without much thought.

uselessly writing it down, he looked up at you afterwards with a wink, chuckling again when you groaned at the action.

"not sure why my uncle hired you when you're so damn annoying," you muttered.

"what you call annoying others would say is charming", he corrected with far too much confidence.

unfortunately, it was true. ever since your uncle had hired him, business had been booming for the tea shop he'd just recently opened.

it was infuriating. everyone loved joshua, regardless of how big of an ego he had.

yet here you were. surely you weren't just here for some coffee, but you couldn't admit that to anyone (or even yourself) just yet. and so you sat there scowling at the object of your fury.

"what, not gonna say anything else? just gonna check me out the whole time?", he put away the pen and small notebook book he'd been holding, instead choosing to lean on the table you'd been sitting at, "fine. do you want something off the menu then?," he smirked at you, eyes dark with something unreadable.

you bit your lip. whether in annoyance or interest, you weren't sure.

but he reciprocated. somewhat.

straightening himself back up, he walked a few obvious steps to the restroom nearby, halting his movements when he came face to face with it and turning back to look at you. leaning against the wall, he eyed you with the smirk still present on his lips. he nodded towards you and then towards the door of the bathroom, giving you one last suggestive look before crossing the threshold into the restroom.

that's when you fucked up.

~

"god, you're so predictable," joshua mumbled between heavy kisses.

you didn't even bother to mutter back an answer, knowing he had the upper hand. he always did.

this was unexpected even for you. the original plan had been to come into his workplace to annoy him, yet here you were, tongue deep in his throat while he managed to earthbend the ground beneath you in order to ensure the two of you total privacy. it was at least nice to know he'd go through extra effort to get you alone.

"nothing to say? want me to keep you here all for me, huh?"

"shut up. just fuck me," you huffed, hands reaching down to his pants.

"oh? desperate? take me out then, baby," he challenged.

his head fell to your shoulder when you began jerking him off through his pants, pulling him out quickly after and swallowing a moan at the sight.

of course he was well endowed everywhere.

"shit, let me just-" and then your skirt was lifted, panties sticking to you due to the wetness he'd caused with mere kisses and some harsh fondling of your body.

his strong arms were for more than just show, apparently, as he used them to turn you around and make you face the wall. your hands went out instinctively to hold yourself against as your back arched to give him better access.

forced to let go of his dick as he flipped you around, he held onto it instead, using the tip to run through your folds through your tiny excuse for panties.

"shua, what if someone-"

"no one's gonna see or hear us, baby. don't worry. i turned the entrance into quicksand. no one can come in," he said too casually for your liking. his head was too preoccupied on his other head.

"joshua!"

"shh. 'm gonna fuck you now, okay? be good 'n let me just ... fuck, yeah, just like that ..."

a whine left your lips as soon as he entered you, but that was the last sound you were able to let out before one of his large hands went to cover your mouth. it was demeaning, yet it made you clamp down on him.

"god, can't even pretend you don't like this. you take it so good," he groaned, "isn't it good, baby? tell me how good it feels."

you attempted to cry and whine against the palm of his hand, all while he chuckled at your weak attempts, relentless in fucking into you.

"can't make a sound, huh? bet zuko would lose his mind knowing what i'm doing to his baby sister," he mocked you.

his efforts increased then. hips met your ass, making far too much noise for what was supposed to be a public restroom. you feared more patrons would enter the establishment, that someone may hear what you were doing with your supposed nemesis, yet you never made a move to stop him.

you continued to receive pleasure from him with no complaint, allowing him to do with you as he pleased. treated like a lifeless doll, he fucked into you until you were sure you'd bruise, legs unable to stand on their own. it was more pleasure than you'd ever felt, and you hated him for it.

but the biggest pleasure came when joshua's orgasm took over him, pulling you right down with him. his hips stuttered and his breath hitched, low groans replaced by high pitched breaths into your neck.

with one last whine (unknown if it was yours or his), he pulled out, leaving you limp against the wall as he gathered whatever was nearby in order to get you presentable again.

when you finally pushed yourself off the wall to face him, you were met with a face of satisfaction so annoying it had you wanting to burn the place down. it somehow doubled in satisfaction when you attempted to take your first step towards the door, stumbling in the process.

"what, need me to call your brother to come get you?", he laughed.

"i'll kill you, hong."

[zombholic]

𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏

“who the fuck moves to tennessee dad!” you threw your hands to your head while having a heated argument with your father.

he said something about his business booming if they moved over there, how he’d be making twice as much as his regular income.

but next thing you knew you were unloading boxes upon boxes into your farm house that was beautifully remodeled you can even say. you chose the room with a gorgeous bay window that showed the entire farm from the backyard, you can say this is the whitest thing you dad ever decided.

after a couple of weeks of still getting settled into your new home, the only neighbor you had being at least three miles away. your dad had hired some help with the farm, he was eager to make it into something beautiful, he was having them buy all sorts of crops and farm animals. yeah, you like animals but if a chicken chased you, you are running for you damn life.

“y/n, come here real quick!” you slipped on your fluffy little slides and made your way downstairs to see your dad sitting down with a couple other people, he made them something to snack on in the meanwhile.

“yeah?” you sat on the arm of the coach “these are our farmers, they’re gonna be here for a very long time so introduce yourself now because they’re gonna become family real soon” he chuckled, you got up and shake their hands, your eyes getting caught on the muscular blonde with a long braided ponytail, her blue eyes and freckled face could’ve ended you right there until you noticed her arms.

“uh.. i’m y/n but you guys can call me y/nn if you want” your handshake with the girl lasting a little longer “well of course miss y/n, it’s great to meet you, my names abby!” a strong southern accent slipped from her lips.

—

every time your dad left for work you took the opportunity to blast music from you room, the songs slipped through the little cracks in the wooden house enough for the farmers to hear. you noticed today was a little hotter than other day so you decided to be a good little help and bring them sandwiches you made with something to drink.

walking outside over to the guys you thanked them for their help and handed them the snack, you couldn’t seem to find abby until you heard noise coming from the stables, entering it you swore you could’ve passed out at the sight of her. the sleeves to her button up rolled up to show off her veiny arms, sweat seeping through, strands of her hair sticking to her face. she was loading hay bells on top of each other, she noticed your presence after you staring at her with goo-goo eyes.

“hey ms. y/n, can i help you with anythin’?” she took her gloves off tucking them into her back pocket, wipes the sweat off her face with her arm, breathing heavily from the labor.

“i um made you a sandwich, you guys deserve a break” you gave her a shy smile before handing her the sandwich and cold water bottle “that’s so sweet of you hun, thank you” she took them from your smaller hands, gulping down the water bottle within seconds. “oh um, did you want another one?” you didn’t it was humanly possible to drink water that fast.

“no no, it’s all good miss, thank you s’much” god you couldn’t get enough of that accent of hers, “did you need help? i can help load them” you walked in front of her and tried to pick up one of the hay bells before miserably putting it back on the ground “no, don’t hurt yourself miss, they’re too heavy” it seemed almost like an insult, you can do heavy lifting as well.

“i can help around my farm as well abby, see” you finally lifted the hay, struggling very very badly to put it on the other ones “if you want to help, miss, you can pick those pretty little flowers” she grabbed the hay bell from you and settled it down “i don’t want your pretty little hands getting all rough n calloused like mine” she threw her gloves back on.

“i can do that” you went over to the small garden that growing the prettiest flowers, getting on your knees you slowly started picking the ones that you thought were pretty, you screamed bloody murder when you saw a little snake in between the flowers, jolting up and running away from it before hitting into something hard.

“oh god miss, what? what happened?” she held your arms with a very concerned look “abby there’s, oh fuck” you coughed a little, hiding your face in her chest unintentionally, you had the worst fear of snakes, didn’t matter how big or small they were, they scared you to death “what? miss? wheres what?” she noticed your distress and rubbed her hands on back “there’s a snake in the flowers, ohmygod im gonna pass out.”

abby had you sit down on the bench near the stable, your knees tucked against your knees as you were afraid of anything else showing up, she bent down and easily grabbed the little snake, a laugh erupting from her “you were scared of this little fella?” she looked over at you, you were tense by seeing her holding that thing.

“yes! please put it away somewhere far!” anyone else would’ve said you were overreacting but a phobia is a phobia.

she came back over to you with the softest smile “let’s get you back inside miss, don’t need you gettin’ a heart attack” she halfheartedly joked, agreeing with her you slowly and carefully walked back inside your house, abby following closely behind you like a bodyguard. turning around went you reached your back door you gave her an embarrassed look.

“i must’ve look so stupid to you, city girl comes to the country and screams at the first thing she sees outside” your comment earned a laugh from her “i can’t blame you miss but i grew up in this area so i’ve seen everything you can think of.” you smiled at her, giving her a small thank you before walking inside.

AUTHORS NOTE: ima drag tf outta this series yall!!