Kemet Uncovered: Part Two: A Box Set

By Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke

Saffron

I am nature's representative. I give my voice when the earth cannot. My work sent me on an intersecting course with a stubborn, arrogant, and hard-headed man named, Kenric Annson.

Although I don't understand him I can't help but be attracted to him. His smouldering looks and heated caresses have rattled me unlike any before him. The cosmos have an interesting sense of humour.

Me, who has lived longer than he could possibly imagine can be struck mute by something so simple as his touch. What's a goddess to do when she wants the one man who has the means destroy her beloved earth? Kill him? Save him?

Taber

I am a traveller who enjoys finding new exciting places to explore. I have no real home to call my own and have never longed for a place to rest. At least until I met the woman who sets my senses on fire.

Lainey Mercer is stubborn, hard to get near and passionate. She is all that I never realised that I wanted. She has made this god wonder what could be possible with a woman by your side who matches you in everyway. I now long to put down roots and for us to create a home together. Live from now to the rest of eternity and beyond side by side. But my Lainey is a woman who will not give in...she will bring me to my knees and then rebuild me into a better god who has found—the woman he loves.

Ashia

I am referred to as the "Hidden One" and personification of the life-bringing northern wind. As one of those who constitute the Ogdoad, I am respected by others and sometimes even feared. Yet I am adrift when it comes to interactions between a man and a woman.

The rules are so confusing and I try to find my way with him—Reid Jacobs. He is a man that makes me, a goddess, wonder how I have done without the coursing need for intimacy. With each touch he unravels me and makes me lose every ounce of my control. I want him more than breath itself but...I will not settle for anything but total acceptance of everything I am.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781839433559

Taige Crenshaw

USA Today Bestselling Author Taige Crenshaw has been enthralled with the written word from the time she picked up her first book. It wasn't long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. Her novels are set in the modern day between people who know what they want and how to get it. Taige also sets her stories in the future with vast universes between beautiful, strange and unique beings with lots of spice and sensuality added to her work. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun and frolic, with interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels.

Book preview

Authors

Totally Bound Publishing books by Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke

Single Title

Unbreakable Bonds

Kemet Uncovered

Talios

Devi

Linc

Saffron

Taber

Ashia

By Aliyah Burke

Single Books

Through The Fire

Seducing Damian

Code of Honour

A Marriage of Convenience

The Lieutenant’s Ex-Wife

A Man Like No Other

When Stars Collide

In Aeternum

Casanova in Training

Harbour of Refuge

Protected by Shadows

Polar Opposites

Theta Corps

Restitution

Contrition

Vindication

Interludes

Temporary Home

Alone With You

Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore

The Edge

Called Home to The Edge

Straying to The Edge

Returning to The Edge

Cuffed at The Edge

The Monroe Sisters

Need You Now

Let Me Go

I Won’t Say Goodbye

Keeper of the Stars

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Astral Guardians

Chasing the Storm

Highlands at Dawn

Fields of Thunder

Branded by Frost

Driven by Night

Moon of Fire

What’s her Secret?

Preconception

KEMET UNCOVERED: PART TWO

Saffron

Taber

Ashia

ALIYAH BURKE & TAIGE CRENSHAW

Kemet Uncovered: Part Two

ISBN # 978-1-83943-355-9

©Copyright Aliyah Burke and Taige Crenshaw 2012

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright December 2011

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2019 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Totally Bound Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

SAFFRON

Book four in the

Kemet Uncovered series

I am nature’s representative. I give my voice when the earth cannot. My work sent me on an intersecting course with a stubborn, arrogant, and hard-headed man named Kenric Annson. Although I don’t understand him I can’t help but be attracted to him. His smouldering looks and heated caresses have rattled me unlike any before him. The cosmos has an interesting sense of humour. I, who have lived longer than he could possibly imagine, can be struck mute by something so simple as his touch. What’s a goddess to do when she wants the one man who has the means destroy her beloved earth? Kill him? Save him?

Dedication

To the people who work to make this world we live in a better place. Thanks for everything you do and the sacrifices you make. ~ Taige Crenshaw

Thank you to all of those who give so much of themselves so the rest of us can be free!

~ Aliyah Burke

Trademark Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Starbucks: Starbucks Corporation

Jeep: Chrysler Group LLC

Chapter One

Somalia

Look here, damn it, I don’t need any fucking geo-freak coming in here and telling me what I can and can’t do! Kenric Annson shouted into the phone. I’m here doing my goddamn job. It’s not like it’s a picnic out here where you can walk up the street to Starbucks for a venti mocha. There’s wars going on around here, and sending some pencil pusher down isn’t going to do a damn thing, except complicate things. My men and I are busy enough without the added job of babysitting.

The response he received only infuriated him further. After cursing a streak at the dial tone in his ear he slammed the phone down.

You okay, Boss?

The question came from Shade, one of the workers on this crew. Actually, Shade was his next in command. Kenric only knew him as Shade and that was fine. He trusted him with his life—hell, Shade could call himself Tinkerbell if he wanted to. Shade was a huge, muscular man with braided hair, which he kept confined to a ponytail most of the time. A goatee and dark brown skin completed the package. The man looked downright lethal standing there with his personal arsenal strapped to him. Everyone respected him.

Hell, no. He popped his neck and sat on the edge of his desk, arms crossed.

What’s up?

That was Frank.

Shade groaned and rolled his eyes as he snipped the end off a cigar. Frank Grimmel was technically the boss down here. Frank was only here since his brother owned the company. However, as far as Kenric and the others were concerned, he was a waste of sperm. It was part of the reason everyone called Kenric ‘Boss’, to add another dig into Frank’s authority. What’d the dumbass want?

He’s sending us a civilian.

What! Shade looked over the top of his mirrored sunglasses and stared while he lit his cigar, the smoke curling up and around his face like a snake.

Yes, something about this doctor being able to help us find the natural gas pockets faster, and dig for them safer.

A snort of derision. Does he not get this isn’t your America? That, while we’re digging, we have men standing guard? Hell, even when we’re not. Shade shook his head. I mean, even Frank has two men guard him the rare occasions he’s here.

Kenric shrugged and got up to lean against the wall near the window. He stared outside at the steppe, only to turn fully and brace a hand against the pane of glass, warmed from the summer sun.

I have a bad feeling about this, he muttered. A fuckin’ rock doc.

Shade cleared his throat. Boss.

Yeah? He continued to stare out over the brush and scrub.

We have company.

He spun around and found himself staring at a woman. A gorgeous woman. Whose skin, the colour of melted caramel, covered an amazing body. One reminiscent of an old pin-up girl, nothing but swells, dips, and curves.

Oh fuck.

Her black hair was drawn back from haughty facial features by a tight bun. On her face was a cool look of dismissal. Her navy-blue skirt suit brought some other things to mind and he felt his body respond. Almost violently. Her dark brown eyes were framed by thick, sooty lashes. She had full lips that shone with a clear lip gloss.

In one hand she held a black briefcase. He’d never seen anyone so determined to dress severely and look so damn hot. He allowed himself one more leisurely perusal of her fuck-me heels, long legs, then up over nice breasts and an amazing—even with the hint of the superbia—face.

Hellfire and damnation. I would love to see her in a bikini. Or nothing at all. He spied Shade staring at her too, and for some reason it pissed him off. From deep within, a rush of anger coursed through him at the thought of Shade even touching this woman. Why is she looking at him?

Can I help you, darling? he drawled, leaning against the windowsill.

Her gaze snapped from Shade to him. Her eyes narrowed a fraction before that damn unimpressed stare took over.

First, I’m not your darling.

Her voice was a raspy alto, which sent shivers all down his spine. His cock stiffened in his BDUs and he almost shook his head to clear the fog that seemed to encompass his mind, steering him down the sexual path.

Want to be? He put a toothpick between his teeth. Testy. Who are you?

I’m here to see Mr Kenric Annson.

Another thrill rushed through him. He quirked an eyebrow and glided towards her, noting how she held her ground. Like a stalking lion, he prowled around her. She smelt fresh, with a light yet unrecognisable scent. No one smelt this good around here. Another look at her, like a punch to his gut, made him bite back a groan.

He wanted to know if she smelt like this all over. How soft her skin would be beneath his. How all those damnable curves would feel pressed to him.

Back before her, he gazed down to her waiting stare. I’m him, darlin’. What can I do for you? Hell, why don’t you tell me who you are.

She never blinked. I’m…how did you put it…the fuckin’ rock doc. Dr Eshe.

He heard Shade’s baritone laughter and fought the snarl. Disbelief smacked into him. This was who Frank had told him about? Shit.

One, we don’t need you here so don’t bother unpacking. Two, dressed like that—it’s ridiculous for this kind of place.

Her retaliatory smile would better be described as a baring of straight teeth. It was no hard thing to imagine her snapping those pearly whites at him.

"Nice to know you can count. I’ve already put my bags in a room. I’m in this outfit because I came straight from a meeting. When I work in the field, Mr Annson, I wear appropriate clothes. And I don’t give a damn if you feel I’m not needed. I’m here because Mr Grimmel hired me. Kade, not Frank. She blinked and it appeared as if there were flames in her eyes. Kade asked me to come here. I have no wish to be here anymore than you wish me to be, so if you cut the macho crap we can get this done faster and I can get out of your hair. Her tone was cold. Now, I’m going to change then I’d appreciate a trip out to the dig sites, starting with the most current and we will work backwards. Are we clear? She arched a fine eyebrow. Good."

Spinning on her heel, she did an about-face and left the office. He watched the sway of her ass in the skirt until she rounded the corner and disappeared.

Don’t say a word, he growled to the smirking Shade. Not a fucking word.

Kenric stormed from the room headed towards berthing. She was not in sight. In the hall, he grabbed a worker and was pointed in the direction of the room she’d gone to. His scowl grew deeper the closer he drew to his own domicile.

She wouldn’t dare. He passed his room and stopped at the next one. Frank’s room. He pushed through the partially open door without knocking and froze. Damn it! She had a large duffel bag on the bed, with some silver cases. Dr Eshe no longer wore the skirt outfit and, honestly, he wasn’t sure that was a blessing. Her greenish-grey cargo pants rode low upon her hips. A white T-shirt graced her upper body and was tucked in, accentuating her narrow waist.

At the moment, she was drawing her hair back into a ponytail. He wanted to wrap his hand in it as he plundered her mouth. She glanced at him and lifted an eyebrow.

I’m pretty sure I told you I’d get back to you when I was ready, Mr Annson.

You being here is not warranted. Leave before I have to send word to Kade that your body is on its way back to him in a body bag. He paused. Assuming, of course, there’s a body for me to send.

She pivoted on booted feet to face him head on. I will not die here, Mr Annson.

The way she stated that gave him pause. Shaking off the odd feeling her statement and her eyes presented him with, he glared down at her.

Confidence from a woman dropped into a war-torn country and a totally male-run business. Men around here haven’t seen a woman for weeks or months, especially one as beautiful as you. Who knows what may happen?

The doc stepped closer yet. She stared at her short, unpolished nails before shrugging negligently. Are you saying your men won’t listen to you?

He bristled at the implication. I’m saying men are men and you are a temptation. One we don’t need.

Luckily I have you to keep me safe.

Kenric lowered his head by her ear and touched the side of her neck. "You don’t want me as a bodyguard, darlin’. I’m all kinds of hands on with protection detail. She shivered lightly and he smirked, knowing she wasn’t as immune to him as she’d like him to believe. You can’t stay here."

She stiffened. And, pray tell, why not?

He backed off so he could look her in the eye. This is Frank’s room. The statement left his mouth in a growl.

I’m aware of that.

Hell, no.

Frank told me to bunk in his room. One shoulder lifted negligently. Actually, Kade told me. It wasn’t necessary for him to do so, although I do appreciate the gesture. She trailed a finger up his chest and his mouth went dry. I’d share a room with you, Mr Annson. I don’t care. I’m here to do my job. Now, let’s go to the sites.

She brushed by him, lifting a tattered canvas brown pack. He rubbed his temples.

Let’s go, Mr Annson. Wasting daylight.

Jaw clenched in anger, he flexed a hand and followed her. His mind coursed a litany of things he shouldn’t say. It wasn’t easy to refrain. Not even an hour here and she’d turned his life upside down.

Shade was by the door leading outside, the damn smirk still lingering. Man, I want to knock that off. His doc wasn’t in sight so, with a narrow-eyed glare towards Shade, he pushed out into the hot summer day.

Again, his body reacted to the view of Saffron. The sun seemed to kiss her skin and he longed to do the same.

What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I thinking of her as mine?

He didn’t have time for this. There was a job to do and no time to be swayed by a lone female. Determined to ignore his lustful feelings towards her, he strode to where she stood talking to two more men.

Let’s go, Doc. Like you said, burnin’ daylight.

Actually, I said ‘wasting daylight’ and I was the one waiting on you, she replied sweetly. I’m sure one of these men could show me around, since you seem so loath to do it.

His icy glare quelled the responses of the men in question. Don’t push me, Doc.

She shrugged and headed to the nearest vehicle. He bit off instructions to the men and followed her.

I’m so fucked, he muttered.

Saffron Eshe covertly watched the man at the wheel of the Jeep from behind mirrored shades. Kenric Annson, ex-military and all kinds of panty-soakingly hot. Never before had a man even come close to having this kind of effect on her. Hell, his simple touch had rendered her speechless.

He’d not been what she had expected. She’d nearly lost her breath upon walking into the room. He’d been by the window, the sun glinting off his shaggy, dirty blond hair. He had a muscular physique, one courtesy of hard work. Broad shoulders, well-cut arms, narrow waist and strong legs all combined to make the package he presented at a few inches over six feet.

He had side arms attached to his legs—guns—as well as a knife. Hot as hellfire, all in all. Then he’d stopped scanning her body and met her gaze. She had been struck by intense, ice-blue eyes.

What are you doing out here? Trying to prove something to someone? he asked over the sound of the wind whipping past them as he drove.

I told you, Mr Annson, I’m here because Kade asked me to come.

He turned his head towards her. Hard to believe he’d send his girlfriend out here, to such a dangerous place.

She reclined and put her feet up on the dash. The air was arid, but still soothing to her soul. Kade and I are not involved, Mr Annson.

Damn you, if you’re determined to stay and make my life hell you may as well call me Kenric. You say Mr Annson and I look around for my father.

Very well then, call me Saffron.

He watched the road again. That’s your name?

Yes. You didn’t seem too keen on introductions before. And, while I’m betting you still aren’t, at least now you know my name.

And those eyes were back on her. What if I like calling you Doc, Doc?

Are you teasing me, Kenric?

Wouldn’t dream of it.

She wondered if they had reached a truce. The set of his jaw made her doubt it. He was trying to appease her so she would leave. Saffron hid her smirk. That wouldn’t happen. She had come for a reason not even Kade knew about. So, no matter if Kenric threatened or sweet-talked, she wouldn’t leave.

They pulled up to the first site. She noticed all the armed men around and shook her head. Humans. Force seemed to be their first resort, as opposed to their last. As Kenric spoke to one man she removed her feet from the dash and sat up straighter. Kenric drove them up farther before he stopped and shut off the Jeep. They headed to a large canopy set up with a table that was a little away from the entrance of the mine.

Hey, Boss. The greeting came as another tall black man met them, nearly identical to the one she’d met in Kenric’s office. His gaze landed upon her and she could see the appreciative look he gave. Who are you?

Saffron, she replied offering her hand.

Lovely to meet you Saffron. Everyone calls me Flare.

He bowed over her hand and pressed a quick kiss to the back of it. She could hear the low grumble of discontent from the man beside her.

Are you older or younger than your twin, Shade?

He flashed a grin and winked. Can’t you tell?

I’d say younger.

And I’d say you were right. He lifted his chin. How did you know?

Shade’s eyes are older.

Before Flare could retaliate, or question her statement, Kenric interrupted. Doc here was sent by Kade. And I have to take time to show her around, so you and Shade are in charge. Keep your eyes open.

You got it, Boss. That rakish smile flickered across his dark face. Take good care of her.

Move, Kenric ordered.

He took them to the covered area, where he grabbed two hard hats and plunked one of them down on her head. With another glare, he spun around and headed for the lift that would drop them down into the earth. Once in the shaft he pressed a button and they were lowered into the darkness.

Not scared of the dark, are you, Doc? he whispered right beside her in her ear.

The dark? No. But the way her body reacted to his? Most assuredly.

Not even close.

She was swarmed with this overwhelming urge to press against his hard chest. As it was, she shifted slightly, so her hip grazed him. The farther down they went the colder it got, and she was glad that fluctuations in temperature had zero effect on her.

The lift lurched as it stopped and they stepped off into a dimly lit area, the sound of voices and machinery reaching them. He moved to stride past her and she reached out with one hand and placed it upon his arm. Kenric froze as if she’d shot him.

Heat pierced her palm and she almost jerked away from the sensations that touching him gave her. He stiffened and stared down at her, those icy-blue orbs burning through every single wall of protection she’d ever erected around her heart.

What? The question sounded more like a wild animal’s final warning before it attacked.

I need to see maps of these sites, as detailed as possible.

His lids lowered, hiding his gaze and leaving narrow slits. I’m sure you got them from Kade.

She didn’t bat an eye. And I’m not asking Kade. I’m asking you, the one everyone around here calls ‘Boss’, to give me a look at your maps.

He worked his jaw before glancing around them. In a heartbeat, he had her pressed up against the cool rock of the tunnel. What the hell are you after?

It was difficult to focus with his muscular body aligned to hers. He wedged a powerful thigh between her legs and she swallowed hard. Each breath canopied her senses with the heady masculine scent of Kenric Annson. He smelt of smokiness, warm amber and freshness, an amazing combination.

Maps. I just told you.

Don’t bullshit me, Doc. I’m a drilling and blasting specialist—I don’t need some pencil neck staring over my shoulder. His mouth was a hairsbreadth away from hers.

Heat pooled in her body and she licked her bottom lip before formulating a response. Apparently you do, Kenric. Or is it familiar practice for you to be drilling and blasting along a fault line?

What? His hands landed on either side of her head. Explain what shit you’re spewing.

She ensured that their conversation wouldn’t be overheard by anyone else and gave him the answer. This place is along the edge of the Somalia Plate. If I’m not wrong, and I would bet almost anything I’m not, if you continue to blast and drill on it you’re going to set off some kind of chain reaction that…would not be in the best interest of humankind.

You’re blowing smoke up my ass.

"Not even close. You need to listen to me, Kenric. You may be a drilling and blasting specialist, but I am a geologist and one of the top experts in my field. This portion of the African Plate has been moving anyway and with your…encouragement, it will only do so more quickly, and possibly more violently."

He stepped back from her and crossed his arms, shooting her