Present…
Corvus Shaw entered the executive offices of the Detroit Panthers, the MLB baseball team owned by his older brother, Orion Shaw. He was quickly shown to Orion’s office, where the two brothers hugged one another affectionately.
“Corvus, it’s good to see you,” Rion said taking his seat as Corvus did the same.
“You see me all the time,” Corvus told him.
Rion agreed. “I see you eating at Momma’s house and the Negus meetings.”
The Negus were the Kings of the city and all worked together to protect and revitalize their home. Rion, Corvus and three of their friends comprised the Negus. The group met as kids and their bond was unbreakable.
Corvus was the last of the Negus who remained unmarried. His brother, Rion had started it all and now here he was, the only one unattached. However, that hadn’t bothered Corvus, as he was known to be a ladies’ man. Unfortunately, he was also known as a Momma’s boy.
“What brings you over here today?” Rion asked.
“I was checking on some property and decided to drop in and see my favorite brother,” Corvus told him.
“I’m your only brother,” Rion reminded.
Corvus smiled. “My only blood brother.”
Rion shook his head. “Boy, what do you want?”
Corvus shrugged and Rion looked concerned.
“What’s going on with you man?” Rion asked. “Everybody is talking about you and how you’ve been acting strange.”
“Strange?” Corvus asked.
“As in different,” Rion explained. “Not the usual.”
“I know the definition of strange,” Corvus told him.
Rion smiled. “So what’s up?”
Corvus sighed. “My birthday is coming.”
“I know. It’s on the same day every year.”
Laughing, Corvus sat back in his seat. “Yeah, it is.”
“So what’s different?” Rion questioned seriously.
He shrugged. “I’m getting older and coming into the knowledge of who I am and what I want.”
Rion waited for his brother to organize his thoughts.
“I’m seeing things differently as far as what’s important,” Corvus continued. “I see y’all with all your kids and I’m like…damn…”
Rion raised a brow. “Is this my brother?”
Corvus smiled. “Yeah, it is. I’m a King and I need to set up my kingdom.”
“You’ve been talking to Khalil,” Rion shook his head.
“We spent some time together on that Kyros thing and I saw how dude handled his business.” Corvus relayed. “I mean, I always thought Khalil was just over the top, but seeing dude fall in love…”
Rion agreed. “Who would’ve thought that?”
“I mean if Khalil could find a fine ass judge to marry and have a baby…dude, I need to step up my level,” Corvus told him.
“Yeah, I don’t think Momma would appreciate you bringing some of the women you date into her kitchen,” Rion replied. “She tried to give Tauri hell, and she was the city’s top prosecutor.”
“Momma is expecting a miracle from me,” Corvus complained.
“Well, god, you’d better get to working on that.”
Corvus smiled. “I’m still taking my time because she has to meet some high standards.”
“Like what?” Rion asked.
Corvus pursed his lips in thought. “She gotta be able to tear the kitchen up! Like from scratch…no boxes or packages.”
Rion looked at him. “It’s the twenty-first century.”
“So, I’m an old-fashioned dude.”
“Old-fashioned? Since when?” Rion asked laughing.
Corvus frowned at him. “Since now.”
Rion motioned for him to continue. “Okay, what else?’
“She gotta be a virgin.”
Corvus watched as Rion jumped from his chair. “Oh hell nah! No you didn’t!” He looked at Corvus. “Did you actually just say that?”
Corvus nodded firmly.
“This, from the dude who’s smashed half of the women in Detroit?” Rion questioned incredulously.
“More like two thirds,” Corvus corrected. “But I didn’t count.”
Rion folded his arms. “Are you serious right now?”
Corvus stood. “Look man, this is going to be my Goddess, my life, the mother of my children, my everything. I don’t want some other dude remembering when he smashed her or vice versa.”
Rion shook his head. “You know your thinking is fucked up?”
“Doesn’t matter, it’s what I want.”
Nodding, Rion looked at Corvus. “So what else does your virgin chef have to do?”
Corvus walked to the window and looked out over to Canada. “She has to have fire.”
“Fire?” Rion echoed.
“To quote Ludicrous…I want a lady in the streets and a freak in the bed,”
Rion put a hand to his head…this boy right here.
“What the hell does that mean?” Rion questioned.
Corvus continued to look out the window and clarified. “I want her to have grace and class, and participate in my business; but when the doors shut, I want the neighbors to know my name.”
“So you’re creating a relationship based on music?”
Corvus smiled. “She gotta like music too.”
Rion walked over to his brother and put a hand on his shoulder. “Knowing you, you’re probably actually going to find her.” He smiled at him. “So I’m just going to let you take care of that.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.” Rion finished.
Corvus nodded. “She’s out there and I’m sending my energy to her.”
“I can’t argue with that at all,” Rion conceded. “That’s how I got my Goddess.”
“I know,” Corvus rubbed his chin. “And I can’t wait to find her.”
******
Miracle sat across from her father in his office at the church. Over the past months, he had tried numerous times to get her to change her mind about Emanuel, but that’s not something she was willing to do. Bishop Chapman sat in his large, leather seat studying his oldest daughter.
“Miracle…” her father said in his deep, resounding preacher’s voice.
“Yes,” she responded.
“I want to discuss you and Emanuel.”
Miracle sat up straight. “There is no, me and Emanuel,” she told him. “And there won’t ever be.”
“The Lord asks us to forgive,” he reminded.
“And I have,” Miracle asserted. “The Lord also admonishes us to use wisdom.”
The Bishop frowned. “I get enough of that from your sister.”
“I mean no disrespect, but how can you even expect me to trust Emanuel after this?” she questioned.
“He made a mistake, Miracle. He’s a good man,” her father asserted. “And he’s going to be the next leader of this church…our church.”
Miracle looked around the massive office. “This is your church. I only serve here.”
“Emanuel is going to need a wife beside him to continue this work,” her father pressed.
“Then he should start looking for one,”
Bishop Chapman tapped his fingers on the gleaming, wooden desk. “This isn’t you Miracle.”
She looked at her father. “Why? Because I’m not doing as you wish or as Emanuel wants?”
“It’s what you wanted as well,” her father pointed out.
Miracle agreed. “Until I saw the truth with my own eyes.” She stood and walked to the wall where her father kept a bookshelf lined with titles. “I’ve always tried to be the perfect daughter and I was preparing to be the perfect wife.”
She began running her hand across the books. “I thought that if I did everything right, then I’d never have anything to worry about.”
Miracle turned back to her father. “I’m not doing that anymore.”
“He says that you won’t take his calls,” her father pointed out.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” She crossed back and took her seat again. “Is there anything else that you wanted to discuss with me?”
“We’re planning to expand the church and we need some additional land,” her father began. “There are two vacant lots behind us and we’d like you to look into the possibility of the church purchasing them.”
Miracle nodded. “What are you adding on?”
“We haven’t exactly decided, it all depends on the purchase price and how much we can get it for,” he answered.
She looked around. “The church is over four thousand square feet right now. How much more space can you really fill?”
“We have to prepare for growth.”
She nodded. “I understand that, but the added expenses will be astronomical. You’re barely running this edifice in the black.”
He frowned. “Don’t question what the Lord has shown me.”
Miracle put a hand to her head. “I’m just trying to make sure you’re not putting yourself and the congregation in financial trouble. Your members are already giving all that they can.”
“Just get me the information on the land, please,” he told her. “That is your job, right?”
“Yes, it is…and I’m very good at it.”
The Bishop moved to the paperwork on his desk. “Your mother said you missed choir rehearsal the other night.”
Miracle’s eyes widened. “Yes, I did. I was working.”
“There is no work more important than the Lord.”
She stood. “I know.” Miracle picked up her purse and walked to the door. “I’ll let you know when I have some information on the land.”
Miracle stepped into the hall and listened to her low heels on the tile. As she passed Emanuel’s study, he stepped outside the door.
“Miracle,” he said quietly.
“Hello Emanuel.” Miracle went to move around him, but he blocked her progress.
“How long are we going to do this?” he asked.
She lifted a brow. “Do what?”
“Vengeance is the Lord’s, Miracle.” He told her. “We need to move past this.”
“I’ve already moved past this Emanuel.”
He took her arm. “You’re disrespecting your father and me with your behavior.”
“My behavior?” Miracle frowned. “After what you were doing inside the church?”
“I told you, that was a mistake and I’ve apologized.”
Miracle removed herself from his hand. “And I’ve told you to leave me alone.”
“I’m the best thing that’s ever going to happen to you.” Emanuel said looking her over in her ultra conservative business suit and low heeled shoes.
“I was faithful to you Emanuel,” Miracle said heatedly. “I was going to be the wife you prayed for.”
“But what did you do?” she questioned. “You threw it all away to be with the Church Assistant.”
Emanuel frowned down at her. “She’s not here anymore!”
Miracle shook her head. “She’s not the one who should’ve had to leave.”
He watched as she walked away and held his breath. He had to get Miracle back. Her father had now threatened his future at the church, if he wasn’t Miracle’s husband. He needed to fulfill his vision and with the church expanding, he wanted the First Seat more than anything.
******
Miracle returned to her office and sat in her plush chair before releasing a long breath. The past six months had been hectic to say the least. The uproar at the church from her calling off the engagement, plus all the whispering behind her back was more than a distraction.
However, Miracle had stood tall. She wouldn’t be ashamed of Emanuel’s actions, of which she had no control over. Had it been humiliating and heartbreaking…yes, very much so. When Emanuel had said that he was the best thing that was ever going to happen to her, it hit home because she had actually, at one time, agreed whole heartedly with that statement.
Now, she couldn’t stand to see his face, and her parents trying to persuade her to take him back, made her sick to her stomach. She would never be with a man that she couldn’t trust, no matter what.
Turning on her computer, she pulled out a pad and began a search on the land her father was seeking. After running a search, the name Corvus Shaw came up and she blew out another breath. You weren’t in real estate or a resident of Detroit without having knowledge of who he was.
Corvus Shaw was the largest property owner in Detroit and the surrounding areas. He owned land and developed properties focusing on revitalizing the city. He was tall, handsome, wealthy and very much a ladies’ man.
Miracle bit her lip. She’d have to contact him to inquire about the land and just the thought gave her butterflies. Up until now, she’d only seen pictures of him and that was enough to take any woman’s breath away, but now she might actually meet him in person. It was well known that he was very involved and active in his company’s land deals.
Miracle put on her professional face and jotted down the number listed to contact his office. She’d probably get an assistant or something…at least that’s what she hoped. Men like Corvus Shaw, gave her wanton thoughts and that’s why she steered clear of them. Thankfully, her business didn’t bring her into their company too often.
Taking out her phone, she dialed the number and waited. While it rang, she picked up her pen and tapped it on the desk.
“Corvus Shaw.”
“Oh, God!” Miracle whispered and dropped her pen.
“Yes, that’s me,” the deep voice commented. “Who is this?
Miracle quickly composed herself. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect you to answer.”
Corvus laughed. “It’s my company.”
She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “Good afternoon Mr. Shaw, my name is Miracle Chapman and I’m a realtor.”
“Good afternoon, Ms. Chapman. How may I help you today?”
She smiled at the smooth baritone. “I was calling to inquire about some land that is listed with your company.”
“Okay, let’s talk.”
Through sheer will power, Miracle managed to relay the information on the land in question while trying not to swoon from the voice on the other end.
“What does the buyer want to do with the land?” Corvus asked.
“He’s not completely sure yet,” Miracle answered.
Corvus frowned. “I’m only selling land to people who want to do something that serves the community in a positive way.”
“I’m sure he’s going to do that.”
“Let’s do this Ms. Chapman, my calendar is open tomorrow afternoon. Why don’t we meet at the land and then you can tell me exactly what the buyer’s plans are at that time?” Corvus offered.
“Tomorrow?” Miracle asked.
“Yes, are you available?”
Miracle nodded. “Uh, yes…I am.”
“Good, I own lots of properties in the city and I don’t know all of them by memory, so if we walk the land, I’ll have a better sense of what we’re looking at,” Corvus told her.
“I understand.” Miracle commented. “And I will meet you tomorrow.”
He pulled up some specs on the land on his computer. “You should probably wear some comfortable shoes over there. My report says that we had to dig up some old pipes and the ground is turned over,” he informed.
She smiled. “I will, and thank you for letting me know.”
“Thanks for calling Ms. Chapman.”
“Thank you Mr. Shaw.”
They ended the call and Miracle put a hand over her chest to calm it. Corvus Shaw sounded just like he looked, and it had taken everything to remain focus on what he was saying rather than how it flowed through her ears.
She dialed her father to follow up with him. “Hi, it’s Miracle. I just spoke with the land owner and he wants to know what you’re going to do with the land.”
Bishop Chapman sighed. “What does it matter? How much is he asking?”
Miracle closed her eyes. “It matters because he only sells land to people who are doing positive things to improve the city.”
“We’re expanding the church,” her father stated. “I told you that.”
“Exactly, how is that improving the city?” Miracle questioned.
The Bishop huffed. “I’m saving souls!”
“I understand that,” Miracle said soothingly. “But Mr. Shaw is very much into programs and projects that provide a more…tangible result.”
“He’s into making money. Just find out the price and we’ll go from there.”
“I’m meeting with him tomorrow, so we’ll see.”
“I’m counting on you Miracle. This is the next phase in expanding the church and that land is vital to the plan,” her father told her.
Miracle wiped her forehead. “I’ll do everything possible.”
“I know you will. You always do.”
******
The next day, Corvus watched as the woman approached. He’d arrived at the site early to make sure there were no hazardous spots. He’d also wanted to see her when she got out of her car. Her sweet, sultry voice had sparked his interest over the phone and he had been anxious to see if the whole package matched.
Corvus moved closer to assist her and took in a face so pretty, it stopped him in his tracks. Pretty dark eyes, framed by long lashes led down to a pair of lips that looked soft and pliable. She wore a short pixie cut that gave her the look of sexy innocence.
Since it was March in Detroit...she wore a dark coat and scarf. When he was able to walk again and finally reached her, she looked up at him. Their eyes connected and held until a cool breeze made her shiver.
Corvus stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Corvus Shaw.”
Miracle smiled and Corvus threw his head back and groaned.
“What’s wrong?” Miracle asked.
He brought his gaze back to hers. “You’re so damn fine.”
Miracle blushed. “Umm...is that what you tell all the realtors that contact you?”
He shook his head. “No, and I don’t meet personally with them either.”
She looked away. “I, uh…I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m sorry, if I offended you Ms. Chapman.” Corvus told her. “You caught me off guard.”
“I must say you’ve done the same, Mr. Shaw,” she said looking back at him. “And I’m not offended.”
Corvus ran a hand down his face. “Now that’s out of the way, let’s look around.”
Miracle agreed and Corvus took her arm gently as they walked over the hills and mounds of dirt. She felt the warmth of his hand through her coat sleeve and bit her lip softly. They discussed the specifics of the land as they walked then stopped at the edge that faced Miracle’s father’s church.
Corvus stared at the building, then shook his head.
“Were you able to ascertain what the buyers want to do with the land?” Corvus asked turning to her.
Miracle pointed at the building that he’d just been looking at. “The church right there wants to expand.”
Corvus looked back at the edifice. “Into what?”
“They’re not quite sure yet.”
He shook his head. “Tell them no deal.”
Miracle frowned. “You haven’t even named a price.”
“I’d give it away for free before selling it to them,” Corvus vowed.
She became alarmed and looked at him. “Why?”
Corvus was very serious when he answered. “There’s a church on every corner in this city, yet there’s more violence and crime than just about anywhere. Kids can’t walk to school or play outside safely, while some of these pastors are driving up to their 4,000 square foot churches in Mercedes, and their members are getting off the city bus.”
Miracle thought about the foreign car that her father drove. “That’s not fair.”
Corvus raised a brow. “What’s not fair?”
“For you to judge pastors that way,” she answered.
“Is it judging when it’s the truth?” Corvus questioned.
Miracle folded her arms. “It’s not true for all though.”
“I didn’t say it was.”
Corvus stared at her. “You didn’t say that this buyer wants to build a community kitchen to serve the kids and the elderly, or that they wanted to construct a safe playground or outdoor school, not even a building for classes that teach empowerment or finances.”
“I said they’re not sure yet,” Miracle rebutted.
“Do they have any of that now, within that 4,000 square feet?” Corvus questioned.
Miracle looked away. “No,” she answered quietly.
Corvus nodded. “I know because I’ve checked into what they offer.”
“You’ve checked on my father?” she looked at him.
“Your father?”
She nodded. “Yes, he’s the Bishop.”