Chapter 15: New Crib
Maximus swung his leg over his power bike, slipping on his helmet with practised ease.
The engine roared to life beneath him, and he let the sound wash over him like a water fall.
As he pulled out of the parking lot for the last time, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
The ride to his mansion was smooth, the streets quieter now as the city settled into the early afternoon.
The outskirts of the city were greener, the air fresher and Maximus couldn't help but feel like he was stepping into an entirely different world.
When he reached the long, winding driveway of his new home, the sight of the mansion took his breath away all over again.
Its sleek design blended seemlessly with the natural surroundings.
Standing at the gated entrances were two men in sharp black suits. Their posture was firm, their eyes scanning the area with a keen awareness.
As Maximus approached, one of them stepped forward, a slight smile breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor.
"Mr. Prime," the guard said, inclining his head. "…Welcome home…"
Maximus removed his helmet, his braided hair receiving the air around him. "Thanks, everything good here?"
"All secure sir… the property has been swept and everything is in order."
Maximus nodded, pushing his powerbike through the gate as the guards opened it for him.
Soon, he stood in the middle of the sprawling living room, the silence pressing in like a soft blanket.
His mansion was everything he had imagined and more. Sleek modern design, natural lighting pouring in through the massive windows, and a sense of open ness that made him feel like he was standing on top of the world.
Setting the keys down on a nearby marble countertop, he slid out of his leather jacket and tossed it over the back of one of the pristine white couches.
For a moment, he just stood there, letting the reality sink in.
This wasn't a dream. This wasn't something borrowed or something temporary. It was his and it was permanenet.
Every corner, every inch, every extravagant detail belonged to him.
The faint hum of the central air system was the only sound and for once, Maximus didn't mind the quiet.
"Unreal…" he muttered to himself, shaking his head with a faint grin.
After soaking in the view for a few more moments, Maximus decided to explore.
He'd been too caught up in the excitement earlier to properly inspect the place, but now he had time.
The first step was the kitchen, and as he entered, he couldn't help but admire its sleek, modern design.
Stainless steel appliances line the walls, and the marble sink in the center looked like something out of a luxury magazine.
He opened the fridge, chuckling when he saw it fully stocked with everythinh eatable.
Bottled water, fresh produce, meat and even a selection of snaks that he liked.
Of course he had paid for the guards outside as well as for the fridge to be stocked.
Maximus grabbed a bottle of fresh table water, twisting the cap off and taking a gentle sip.
He leaned against the counter for a moment, letting the cool drink refresh him before heading toward the next room.
The dining room, was grand yet cozy, with a long wooden table that could easily seat ten people and still have space for more.
The chairs were upholstered in soft, cream fabric and a modern chandelier hung above the table, casting a golden glow over the space.
"This feels… too much, its definely gonna get some getting used to" he mused.
He continued his exploration, moving through the hallways and peeking into various rooms. The mansion seemed to go on forever, each space more impressive than the last.
The home theater, the home gym were the next places he visited.
Then moving on to the upstairs room, where the bedrooms were located.
The master bedroom, his bedroom was something out of a luxury hotel.
The bed was massive, with crisp white sheetss and an abundanccce of pillows.
Floor to ceiling windows offered a stunning view and a balcony extended from the room, complete with a small seating area.
After exploring the rest of the bedrooms, he made his way back downstairs and out to the garage.
It was easily one of his favourite parts of the house. The space was massive, with room for at least three more vehicles.
Maximus wheeled his power bike into the garage, parking it neatly in one of the empty spots.
He took a step back, admiring how the sleek, black bike looked againts the clean, modern backdrop.
"Perfect fit…" he said with a satisfied nod.
"The whole house is a perfect fit… whats missing? A sexy maid who knows how to serve their master…"
»»»«««
The bass from the clubs sound system pulsed through Maximus's body as he stood off to the side of the packed dance floor, arms folded and an eyebrow raised.
The disco lights spun in vibrant colors, reflecting off the mirrored walls and casting a kaleidoscopic pattern across the room.
Around him, half dressed or utterly naked party goers laughing, dancing and drinking their dignity and self respect away, their energy as intoxicating as the scent of expensive cologne and champagne that lingered in the air.
Maximus leaned closer to the man seating next to him, raising his voice to be heard over the music. "Remind me what we are doing here again… Danny"
Danny smirked, tilting his glass of whiskey toward maximus. "because you're too much of a hermit, and I'm doing you a favour. Besides, I thought it'd be fun for you to meet Zack again. Remember Zack? From college?"
Maximus had linked up with one of his old college roommates as an attempt to celebrate the new winings in his life.
"Barely," Maximus muttered, taking a sip of his own drink. "what does he even do now?"
"He owns this place," Danny said, gesturing around the club with a casual wave. "the guy is killing it. You'll see him in a bit, he's supposed to give some kind of speech or something."
Maximus sighed, shifting his weight form one foot to the other. He wasn't exactly a fan of loud parties or crowded spaces, but Danny had been insistent, and he figure one night wouldn't kill him.
Still, he couldn't shake the sense that he didn't belong in a place like this, in the tailored blazer he'd thrown on for the occasion.
A few minutes later, the music dimmed slightly, and a voice crackled over the speakers. "ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man of the hour, the one and only Zack Zimmerman!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as a man stepped onto the stage at the front of the room. Zack Zimmerman was just as Maximus remembered, though he'd clearly traded the scrappy, carefree college look for something much more civilized.
"Good evening everyone!" Zack said, spreading his arms with a wide grin as if aiming to hug each and everyone present all at once. "First of all, I want to thank you all for coming tonight. This club has been my dream for years, and seeing it packed like this… well, it means the world to me."
The crowd cheered and clapped, raising their glasses in a toast.