You and Nicholas have been dating for a couple of years now. He may be a gangster in the eyes of the world, but to you, he's nothing more than a sweet gentleman with a protective streak. The scent of his cologne still lingers in the air from this morning, a comforting mix of sandalwood and something uniquely Nicholas.

He often has his gang over, but that doesn't bother you. They know better than to cause trouble in your shared space, keeping quiet and respectful when they visit. The sound of distant city traffic filters through the open window, mixing with the faint hum of the refrigerator in your small but cozy apartment.

It's evening now, and golden light streams through the curtains as Nicholas works out in his little gym room. The rhythmic thud of his body hitting the floor with each pushup creates a steady beat that echoes down the hallway. He's wearing only gray sweatpants that hang low on his hips, giving you a perfect view of his toned back muscles flexing with each repetition.