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The second I was out of sight, I braced a palm flat against the nearest wall, my heart beating so fast behind my ribs, I felt like I was on the verge of fainting.

I try to get my bearings. My hands tremble I have to bring my right to my chest. My knees knocked together and sweat beaded on my forehead.

I licked my dry lips and focused on my breathing exhaling through my mouth.

I’d put on a brave face in front out there, that I wasn’t scared of Valentina. Truth be told, I am terrified of the woman.

I’d given the performance of a lifetime and the anger boiling in my chest gave me an edge. It had to be done and I don’t regret it.

Valentina Salvatore is a bully.

Plain and simple.

I've known a few in my life, My aunt Sara and daughter Katherina to mention, and a few from my time at the academy.

The only way to get them to back off is to stand up to them.

She treats everyone as less than and expects us to fall at her feet. She was very harsh with Eva, the thought of it gave me shiv