Nolan maintained his grip, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You're going to stay the hell away from her," he warned, each word precise and threatening. "Or I promise, next time I won't be this restrained. Go ahead, sue me. I've got plenty more dirt on you. Please, give me a reason."
Ryan's cocky expression wavered slightly.
Nolan delivered the final blow with cold precision: "Coward."
Noelle's eyes lit up as she turned to Miranda. "Are we absolutely certain we can't let him land just one punch on Ryan? Just a tiny one?"
Miranda gave her younger sister a look.
"Pretty please with a cherry on top." Noelle pressed her palms together in mock prayer.
Collins exhaled heavily. "Miranda, you might want to intervene before this..." she gestured between the two men, "becomes a crime scene we have to explain."
Miranda knew she should step in. She really did.
But watching Ryan squirm under Nolan's intensity was oddly satisfying. Nolan deserved this moment.
