Oliver was surprised at how in sync he and Nick were in pushing Reagan away from Vicky, which sent him stumbling back.
Oliver's hand shot out before Nick could close the distance once more—an instinctive move that stopped the second lunge cold.
For a heartbeat, the two men were locked: Nick pushing forward, Oliver stopping him back. But Nick twisted free with brutal force, snatching Reagan by the collar and driving a hard, clean punch into his face that sent Reagan sprawling to the area rug carpet.
Reagan hit the floor and, furious and breathless, didn't stay down. He sprang up and launched himself at Nick, landing a savage blow that rocked Nick's head back. The room fractured into a chorus of shocked cries and gasps.
"Oh my God! Stop you two!" Vicky screamed.
"Nick! Please, stop this!" Georgia's voice begged, raw with panic.
Sound blurred into panic. Violet's voice cut through the mayhem, a sharp, terrified command. "Someone stop them! Reagan, Nick—this is insane!"
