The moment Monica's condescending words her insulting remark about him being her subordinate reached Eric his gaze snapped up.
He had been looking down at the broken pieces of his wooden sword.
They were scattered on the grass. Now he looked directly at her.
His eyes widened first in surprise that she would say such a thing.
And then for the first time in a very long while a genuine sting of hurt of real offense pricked at him.
Her words had a sharp edge.
Ordinarily Eric was somewhat used to criticism. He was inured to it. He had spent most of his lifetime being underestimated by others.
He was often the subject of quiet scorn or pity from those who thought he was weak or unimportant.
Such comments usually washed over him like water.
They left little lasting impact. He didn't let them bother him too much.
But this time it was different.
Monica's words delivered with such casual arrogant disdain such a lack of respect struck a raw nerve inside him.
