Page 1 of Maxwell

Chapter One

Maxwell Santana sauntered into NV Lounge, the popular spot his brother-in-law owned. Converted from an old warehouse and catering to young professionals, it had quickly risen to prominence in the Atlanta night scene—a hybrid of a lounge with a hookah bar and restaurant, and a traditional club with high-energy and a DJ whose music selections kept people on the dance floor.

Pausing inside the entrance, Maxwell let his eyes adjust to the dim interior and allowed the music and noise from the crowd to wash over him. Straight ahead, two back-to-back bars bisected the main space.

He spotted his brother-in-law at the nearest bar, dressed in all black and nodding his head at whatever his female server was saying.

Maxwell strolled over as the young woman walked away. “What’s up?”

“Hey, man!” Andre gave him some dap. “Your friends are already here. They’re waiting for you in the VIP.”

“I had something to take care of.”

“Something or someone?” Andre asked.

Maxwell laughed. “I plead the fifth.”

He had a bit of a reputation among his family members, which wasn’t helped at all when two of the women he was dating ended up at Andre and Monica’s engagement party.

Andre rested a hand on Maxwell’s shoulder as he leaned in. He had a rough-hewn face, and the pale patch of skin slicing through his eyebrow served to increase his tough-guy appearance.

“I think you and your boys should be set, but if you need anything, let me know. I got you.”

“I appreciate it, but I’ll make sure those guys pay for everything they’re supposed to. They got money. I’m the broke one.”

Andre nodded, a faint smile on his lips, probably because he knew the latter part of Maxwell’s statement wasn’t exactly accurate. True enough, for years his medical residency had been his entire life—running on fumes from barely enough rest, sleeping on narrow cots, and drinking watered-down bitter coffee in the break room. Yet he’d loved every minute of it, because it meant he’d be able to achieve his dream of becoming a pediatrician.

However, his family was wealthy. As the youngest of seven, and with several of his brothers being billionaires, he wanted for nothing.

After exchanging a few more words, Maxwell sauntered toward the VIP section. On the way, his eyes assessed the smorgasbord of lovely women in the venue. After showing his card to the bouncer, he climbed the stairs and spotted his friends.

“There you are!” The boisterous greeting from his friend Jayson was coupled with one long arm being flung around Maxwell’s neck. A Tyriq Withers look-alike, his friend was six feet, five inches of trouble wrapped in a charming personality and affable grin. “You’re late, man. I was starting to think you weren’t coming.”

“You know how it is.”

“Yeah, I know. Who is she?”

“No one you know, but let’s just say, she welcomed me with open arms.”

Jayson laughed, shaking his head. “And legs, I’m sure. I’m just glad my partner in crime is back, man. It’s been rough in these streets without you.”

“I’m sure you’ve been holding it down just fine,” Maxwell said with a chuckle.

“Barely. Carrying this city by myself is not an easy job.” Jayson tapped Maxwell’s chest. “Let’s get some liquor in you.”

Two of their friends from high school shot to their feet and greeted him with cheers and hugs.

“It’s good to have you back.” Lincoln, a green-eyed blond, patted him on the back. He currently worked in the satellite office of a New York-based hedge fund where his father was a managing partner.

“Good to be back,” Maxwell said.

He’d actually been back for months but had kept a low profile, working on a personal project that had brought him much satisfaction before he started his permanent job as a doctor. He had also spent time with his family, temporarily living at home before moving into his own place.

Ever since his return to Atlanta, his family had treated him like a king returning to his throne. They were all proud of him and glad to have him back in the city. Yesterday, his brother, Bruno—a chef and restaurateur—had pulled out all the stops in the private room at one of his restaurants. His siblings, along with their significant others, and his parents, had all gathered to celebrate the new job he started on Monday.

“Who are the ladies?” Maxwell asked.

Three young women sat in the section with his friends.