RISE OF THE EX-CONVICT

CHAPTER 172

Nicholas ran his calloused fingers through his sweat-dampened hair as he stepped into the vast, echoing expanse of the gym. The familiar scent of rubber and polished wood filled his nostrils, sparking a sense of nostalgia. It had been far too long since he'd last set foot in this sanctuary of physical discipline.

He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the array of gleaming exercise equipment - the heavy punching bags, the sleek treadmills, the gleaming metal racks of free weights. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. This was where he came to clear his mind, to channel his energy into something constructive.

"It's been a while! I can feel my real self coming back." Niçholas muttered to himself, smiling broadly.

Shrugging out of his crisp button-down shirt, Nicholas padded across the polished hardwood floor, the soft soles of his black boxers whispering against the surface. The cool air caressed his bare torso, raising goosebumps on his sun-kissed skin.

He flexe