Chapter 23

(Mariana)

"Mariana!" I heard him yell as he chased after me. My breath came in ragged gasps. My heart was pounding in my chest and my muscles were screaming from the exertion. My legs were still were weak and I couldn't run as fast as I would have.

I could hear Lorenzo's footsteps very close behind me and I tried to push myself to run faster but my legs felt like lead. ince I was still weak. Before I could run out to the road, Lorenzo grabbed my arm and dragged me back.

In annoyance I bit his finger and used the little strength I had to pushed him away. He lost his balance and stumbled on the ground. There was a metal rod not too far from me and I quickly picked it up and pointed it at him. My hands were trembling and my head throbbed in pain. If I knocked him out with this I could buy myself enough time to escape.

"Mariana, please," he said, "put the rod down. We don't have to do this. Let's talk about this."

I looked at him as I held the rod hesitantly. My breath came in short sh