Lowering my gaze, I replied softly, " Mia’s skills still need improvement..."
"She’s your own apprentice." Lennon cut off my words. His tall frame loomed over me as he grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.
The years of playing instruments had hardened his hands and they had already developed a thick layer of calluses, which caused the pressure of his grip stung sharply.
"Claire, your memory must be failing you. You’re the one who has ignored me countless times for your apprentice. And now you want to feign some high ground? Are you afraid that Mia will take your place?"
His cold gaze bore into me, but there was a teasing curve on his lips.
I gritted my teeth against the pain and drew a deep breath, my gaze shifting past Lennon to Mia. "Why should I be afraid of a woman with no talent?"
Mia’s face froze, her previous expression of grievance vanishing instantly.
Her lips trembled faintly as she glared at me, her anger boiling to the surface. Then, without warning, she stormed toward me and slapped me across the face.
Slap!
I was so stunned by the slap that the force instantly knocked me off balance and I staggered backward.