Miracle exited the bathroom dressed in a robe after showering in preparation for dinner with her sister and brother-in-law. She glanced over to where Corvus was putting on his slacks and admired his muscled arms and back, along with his firm buttocks.
He looked up and caught her staring, causing her to blush immediately. Smiling, he came over and placed his large hands on her waist.
“You don’t want dinner?” he asked staring down at her.
Miracle smiled. “Yes, I want dinner.”
“Keep looking at me like that and you’ll be dinner.”
She put her hands on his biceps and looked up at him. “You’d like to have me for dinner?” she whispered.
Corvus kissed her softly. “Dinner, breakfast, lunch, desert…”
“You’re very affectionate,” she said softly as he continued to kiss her cheek leading up to her ear.
“Do you like it?” he questioned and looked at her.
Miracle nodded slowly. “Yes, it makes me warm inside.”
Corvus smiled and untied her robe. Separating the two sides, he frowned when he saw she was wearing a towel underneath.
“Why do you have a robe and a towel on?” he asked.
She looked confused. “What am I supposed to put on after taking a shower?”
He slid the robe off of her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Next, he reached for the towel and her hands went to his.
“Corvus!”
“You can walk around naked,” he told her and moved her hands to the side.
“I have never done that,” she confessed.
“Not even when you were at home alone?”
She shook her head. “No,”
“You have a beautiful body, Miracle, and I want to see it as often as possible.” Corvus told her quietly and released the towel that hid her body from his view.
Miracle watched his perusal and felt the familiar heat before she was placed on the bed. She looked up at him as his body covered hers.
“I remember the first time I saw you,” Corvus began. “I was initially intrigued by our phone call and I couldn’t wait to see you in person.”
“I knew what you looked like,” Miracle confessed. “That’s why I was so nervous on the phone.”
“You sounded so sweet,” he told her and she smiled.
“Then that happened,” he studied her face. “You smiled at me and I was gone.”
“From a smile?” she questioned.
He nodded. “From that smile.”
She smiled again and touched his face as he continued. “Then you killed me with a red dress.”
“Faith chose that.’
“Faith is the best sister-in-law in the world,” Corvus commented and Miracle laughed.
“I didn’t know that my Little Goddess was packing all that underneath those slacks and blouses,” he teased.
“I don’t advertise it.”
He nodded. “I’m accustomed to seeing it on display.”
Miracle frowned. “I’m sure. I’ve seen the women you dated.”
Corvus lifted her leg around his back. “That’s why I dated them.” He kissed her hotly until she wrapped her arms around him.
Lifting his head, he looked down at her. “Because I knew that when I met my wife, I’d recognize her immediately.”
He traced her lips. “She’d be unlike anything I’d ever known and everything I ever wanted.”
“You know what to say,” Miracle said softly.
Corvus shook his head and stroked her naked side. “I just say the truth.”
“I’ll never object to that,”
“And whenever you object to anything, all you have to do is say it,” he told her.
Miracle looked away. “Do you mean that?”
Turning her face back to his, he waited and held her gaze. “Miracle, nothing is more important to me than what you think and how you feel. You can always use your voice with me.”
“Use my voice?” she questioned.
He nodded. “Speak your truth to me.”
Miracle closed her eyes. “I have to get used to the way you talk.”
“I speak from the heart the way I’ve been taught,” he explained. “I like to joke around and tease, but it’s never to hurt anyone.”
She looked at him. “It also doesn’t hurt that you’re so handsome.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“And humble,”
“And so in love with this Miracle in my arms…”
She looked at him seriously. “I’m going to do my best to make you happy,” she promised.
“The only thing you have to do, is be your beautiful self,” he told her. “I don’t want you to change, baby, or feel that you’re obligated to do anything. I only want what you want to give.”
“I want to give you my all, Corvus.”
He kissed her softly. “Thank you Little Goddess.”
The knock on the door caused them both to turn towards it. “Faith and Dante are here,” he announced.
“I’m supposed to be dressed by now,” Miracle told him trying to wiggle from underneath his big body.
“They can wait until you’re ready,”
“Can I get up now?” she asked.
He glanced down at her naked body. “I kinda like you right here.”
“Corvus Shaw! Let me up!”
Corvus laughed and slowly stood to his feet. He helped her from the bed as they heard another knock.
“Can you get the door while I get dressed?” Miracle questioned.
He nodded and kissed her before she pulled away. “That’s not getting the door.” The third knock had her scrambling around the room.
Casually, Corvus grabbed his shirt and headed to the door but not before watching her put on her bra and panties.
Miracle looked over at him. “Corvus!”
Laughing, he walked out and closed the door behind him. The knocking continued as he crossed the suite to the door. He put on his shirt then opened it to find a smiling Faith and Dante.
“Should we come back later?” Dante asked.
“Nah, you’re good. Come on in, Miracle is getting dressed.”
Faith walked inside with a grin. “I’m sure she is.”
The couple took a seat on the sofa and Corvus took a chair. “What have you two been up to?” he asked.
They smiled naughtily at one another. “Nothing.” They answered together and Corvus laughed.
“Right,”
“Hey, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Faith told him.
“Thanks for coming,” he told them. “It meant a lot to Miracle to have you here…me too.”
Dante smiled. “Thank you for bringing us!”
“And thank you for making my sister so happy,” Faith said seriously.
“That’s what I intend to do for a very long time,”
Miracle stuck her head out of the bedroom door and saw the trio. “Faith, can you come in here for a minute?”
Faith stood and looked at the men. “We’ll just be a minute.”
Dante shook his head. “No you won’t.”
She laughed. “Just settle in.”
Corvus caught Miracle’s eyes and held them. “I won’t be long,” she promised.
“Take your time, baby,” Corvus told her. “I have nowhere else to be.”
She smiled as Faith reached the door and ushered her inside.
Dante turned to Corvus. “We’re going to be here for a while.”
******
Inside the room, Faith surveyed her sister. “Look at you! You’re glowing all over.”
Miracle blushed. “Stop.”
“I don’t even have to ask if you enjoyed it,” Faith said with a smile.
Putting a hand to her warm face, Miracle said, “Faith…”
Faith laughed. “Okay Miracle, why did you want to see me?”
“I’m in love…” Miracle whispered and Faith looked confused.
“Isn’t that why you married him?”
Miracle shook her head and walked over to look out of the window. “Yes, I loved Corvus enough to marry him, but I didn’t expect to feel…this.”
Faith crossed over to stand behind her. “What’s this?”
She turned with tears in her eyes. “I really love him.”
“Why are you crying?”
Miracle took a deep breath. “You don’t understand. I hoped and I prayed that I’d grow to feel something deep and meaningful for Emanuel. I believed that one day it would happen and I was prepared to be still and wait. I’d just focus on making him happy.”
Faith listened intently. “But Corvus, he thinks about me…he focuses on making me happy and that makes me love him so much.” She put a hand to her mouth. “So much that it scares me.”
Hugging her sister, Faith patted her back. “Oh Miracle, it’s okay,” she comforted.
“You weren’t expecting to be loved by your husband because Emanuel is an ass.”
Miracle sighed. “Faith, I’m serious.”
Faith pulled back. “I’m serious too Miracle. Your expectations were so low that you’re surprised at how beautiful the real thing is.”
Miracle closed her eyes recalling last night with Corvus. “It is beautiful. More beautiful than I ever imagined.”
She glanced at the bed then at her sister. “I don’t ever want it to end.”
Faith grinned. “I’m sure that makes him happy.”
“Am I supposed to feel this way?” Miracle questioned. “This…almost uncontrollable desire?”
Faith blinked. “Damn.”
“Faith!” Miracle chastised grabbing her shoulders. “I need to know what I’m doing!”
“You’re fine Miracle,” Faith consoled her. “You married a man that can put it down and you should enjoy every bit of his vast experience.”
Miracle dropped her hands. “That’s why I’m so confused. With Emanuel, I knew exactly what was expected of me and I was prepared.” She said quietly and turned back to the window. “Corvus is…beyond words.”
“I don’t want to disappoint him.” Miracle confessed in a whisper.
“Unlike Emanuel, Corvus only wants to love you Miracle,” Faith relayed. “You should do the same.”
She turned her sister to face her. “All he talks about is making sure you’re happy. He’s helped me and Dante buy our first house, he’s brought all of us here to Vegas and put us up in these ridiculous suites, in addition to putting that rock on your hand. He’s in love with the woman I’ve known and admired my entire life.”
“He doesn’t want a wife designed on paper. He wants a woman to love and that woman is you,” Faith finished.
Miracle smiled. “I can’t believe this is my life.”
“Me either,” Faith agreed. “I prayed that you wouldn’t have to live your life with that…”
“I get it Faith.” Miracle cut her off.
Faith lifted her hands. “Fine, he’s history anyway. Miracle got her a Negus.”
Miracle took a breath. “We shouldn’t keep them waiting much longer.”
Faith waved a hand. “Girl, Dante knows…”
“Well, I just married my husband yesterday and I’d like to stay married for a while longer.” Miracle stressed.
“Corvus Shaw is not going anywhere without his Little Goddess,” Faith teased. “I can’t wait until the Bishop hears that.”
Miracle threw her head back. “The Bishop is going to be challenging.”
“When I married Dante, Daddy was determined that one of his daughters would marry a minister so he put the pressure on you. Insert Emanuel, and he had his perfect scenario. He knew that you wouldn’t put up too much of a fuss because you’ve always been the good one.”
“Don’t say that Faith,” Miracle admonished.
Faith waved another hand. “Miracle, it’s true and it doesn’t bother me. You are sweet, and kind, and pure at heart.”
Miracle frowned. “You make me sound like some type of paragon.”
“You are.”
Miracle walked away with a frown. “No, I’m not.”
Faith frowned too. “Why does that upset you?”
Miracle shook her head. “I don’t know. I think I’m tired of people expecting me to be perfect because I’m not and I’ve never claimed to be.”
Faith went and took her hand. “I wasn’t saying it to hurt you.”
Miracle nodded. “I know and I think that’s why my feelings for Corvus are so intense. He hasn’t put me in any box or labeled me.”
She smiled. “The only thing he’s asked is that I cook, and he hasn’t even let me do that.”
“He sees me in a way that no one else does,” Miracle continued. “I’m not the Bishop’s daughter, or the devout Christian, or the one who does everything right. I’m Miracle, and whatever I feel or think is okay. He doesn’t judge me or hold me to certain standards.”
“That’s important to you?” Faith asked.
Miracle looked at her. “More than you’ll ever know.”
“Don’t worry about anything, Miracle.” Faith encouraged her. “Enjoy this new life.”
Miracle agreed. “Thank you Faith. I love you so much.”
The women hugged. “I love you too. Now let’s go get our party on with those two handsome men,” Faith suggested.
“Let me fix my face,” Miracle said heading to the bathroom.
The men stood as the door finally opened and both women walked into waiting arms. Corvus lifted Miracle’s face to his.
“Everything good?” he asked.
She smiled up at him. “Everything is very good, my love.”
Corvus rewarded her with a kiss before the group departed for dinner.
******
The next morning, Miracle awakened to the soft sound of her name. Nestled within strong, warm arms, she kept her eyes closed.
“Yes, my love…” she whispered.
From behind, she heard in her ear, “I’m hungry.”
Miracle smiled. “You should eat then.”
Corvus nuzzled her neck. “You sound like my Momma.”
“Mrs. Shaw is a very smart woman.”
“And I’m a very hungry man.”
She snuggled closer. “Do you want me to make you some food?”
“No, I want you to get up and eat with me. I’m accustomed to having my food blessed now,” he told her.
“Mmmm…you just want to hold my hands.”
Corvus kissed her shoulder. “And watch your lips move.”
Miracle turned in his arms. “These lips?” She pursed them slightly.
His eyes went to her mouth. “Yeah, those.” Corvus kissed her softly as she wrapped her arms around him. When his hands began sensual exploration she moaned.
“I thought you were hungry,” Miracle whispered.
“I was, until you turned all of this around and pressed it against me,” he told her.
“I’ve already told you that I prefer this to eating,”
Corvus smiled. “My Little Goddess is fire.”
“Only for you.”
He pulled her closer. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
This time she smiled. “Me either.”
“Did you have a good time at dinner?” Corvus asked and she nodded.
“Yes, I love Faith and Dante,” she said happily. “And you.”
He laughed. “I hope so.”
Miracle sobered. “It scares me how much I do. That’s what I talked with Faith about yesterday while you were waiting.”
“You’re scared to love me?” he asked confused.
Honestly, she answered, “I’m scared of wanting and loving you this intensely.”
“I won’t ever let you regret loving me intensely. There’s no other way that I want you to love me, Miracle.”
“What if I’m a closet sex addict?” Miracle questioned.
“Oh, I hope so…”
Miracle ran a hand down his bare arm. “I’m serious Corvus, I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“I’m thinking about it right now too,” he told her caressing her ass.
“Are you listening?”
He turned her over onto her back. “After my wife says she’s a closet sex addict, there’s no need for more words.”
“That’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard…” he finished.
******
The next day, Miracle stared out of the window above the clouds with a soft smile on her face. She glanced down at the ring on her finger then at the man seated next to her.
“Are you thinking about things you want to do to me?” Corvus asked.
“Do I have your permission?” she teased.
“Hell yeah…”
Miracle laughed. “I thought so.”
Corvus took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I love my Little Freaky Goddess. That wasn’t even on my list.”
“You and that list,” Miracle told him.
He kissed her cheek. “Don’t sleep on my list. That’s what had me waiting for you.”
Miracle touched his face. “Well, you don’t need it anymore.”
“No, I do not.” Corvus agreed. “Because you are everything Mrs. Shaw.”
She smiled. “I like that.”
“There was only room for one more.”
“I’m flattered to be in such company,” she whispered.
Corvus nodded. “Shaw women are the bomb.”
“Is Tauri going back to the Prosecutor’s office?” Miracle asked.
“Orion is keeping her occupied with babies,” Corvus explained. “He’s still on a quest for five.”
Miracle’s eyes widened. “Five?”
Corvus slid her a look. “You know I always try to outdo my big brother.”
“Five babies Corvus?”
“Technically, we’d need six.”
Miracle looked at him. “What would we do with six kids?”
He shrugged. “Build a big ass house and travel all over the world with them.”
Miracle stared at him and bit her lip. After a minute, she smiled. “Okay.”
He looked surprised. “Okay?”
“Be fruitful and multiply…”
“Wait…did I tell you how much I love you today?” he asked.
Miracle nodded. “Yes, this morning when we woke up, at breakfast, and on the drive to the airport.”
“Okay, I just want to make sure you know.”
She leaned forward and kissed him. “And I’m so in love with you.”
“Yeah, we know…” Faith said from across the aisle.
They both looked over laughing.
“You two aren’t the only ones on this plane,” she chastised them.
Corvus turned to Miracle. “When I look into this face, I don’t see anybody else.”
“You two are adorable,” Faith told them. “We’re so happy for you both and when we get back to Detroit, we’ve got your back.”
“Thanks.” Both replied.
“We have a lot to deal with when we return,” Corvus said.
Dante leaned in. “Well, if you need help with Emanuel or Bishop Chapman...”
Corvus smiled. “I’m not concerned.” He then looked at Miracle.
“I hope they won’t be too much of a problem,” she whispered.
“Oh, they will.” Faith assured her.
Miracle frowned. “Thanks Faith.”
“But we won’t let that get in the way of what we’re building,” Corvus told Miracle.
“No, nothing will.”
He squeezed her hand as Faith asked, “Were you two talking about babies already?”
“Are you being nosy?” Miracle questioned.
“Always,” Faith answered.
Miracle smirked. “You two have been married for two years, when are you going to start talking about babies?”
Corvus watched the proud smile that came across Dante’s face. “I think congratulations are in order?” he asked.
Miracle looked at him then at her sister. “Faith?”
Faith’s eyes watered as she shook her head happily. “Yes,” she choked.
“Oh my god!” Miracle screamed. “Why haven’t you said anything?”
Faith looked at Dante then back at her sister. “This was your time and we didn’t want to infringe.”
“Infringe!” Miracle told her. “I’m going to be an aunt! That’s the best news I could hear.”
Faith smiled. “You’re so sweet Miracle.”
“Congratulations, both of you. I’m so happy for you,” Miracle told them.
Dante joined in. “Getting that house came at the perfect time. We can’t thank you both enough.”
“We’re glad that everything is working out for you,” Corvus said happily.
The couples chatted for a little while before Miracle sat back in her seat and glanced out of the window once again. Corvus had mentioned that he might get her pregnant before they left Vegas and now she wondered if it had indeed happened.
It would be so incredible to raise her child along with Faith and Dante’s baby. Silently, she put her hand over her flat stomach and closed her eyes, saying a short prayer. Corvus saw her action and leaned over to whisper to her.
“Yeah, that’s number one.”