The masked Znakomstvo pressed the gun harder against Lily's temple. "Drop Avery, Eaton, or your wife dies." His voice was calm, almost conversational, which made it even more terrifying.
Lily's heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst. She watched Chris drag Avery forward, his movements precise despite the tension radiating from him. The air crackled with deadly intensity as the two men faced each other, each holding a hostage.
"Let her go first," Znakomstvo commanded, "and kneel."
"No, Chris!" Lily thrashed against Znakomstvo's iron grip, but he simply tightened his hold until she could barely breathe. She knew what kneeling would mean to someone like Chris – it wasn't just submission, it was humiliation.
