I look in shock at the newcomer, then at Carl, still sitting on the floor. I’ve seen Carl beat people up for less, yet this new adversary seems to match, if not exceed, his strength and capability for violence, so…

Something inside of me tingles with anticipation. I liked seeing Carl getting knocked off his feet. I wouldn’t mind watching a recap. Hell, I wouldn’t mind watching a full-blown fight right now. Even though the newcomer strikes me like a bit of a creep himself, with his scar and deadpan expression, I wouldn’t be rooting for Carl, that’s for sure.

Next to me, Dex gets up, and I tense a bit. I don’t want him to get hurt.

“Please forgive my friend,” says Dex, walking over to the new guy. “We had a party last night, and he barely slept. That’s why he acts like a jerk. I’m Dex, by the way.” He offers his hand, and the new guy slowly accepts the handshake. “Welcome to the dorm. Let me show you where the coffee is.” He looks down at Carl. “You okay, man?”

Carl shakes his head, looking at the new guy who takes a step in his direction.

“Not the best start we had,” says the guy, offering Carl a hand. “Didn’t mean to hit you, but when I feel threatened, I just react, you know? How about we start again?”

Carl blinks at the offered hand, then reaches out and grabs it. I half expect for him to pull the other guy to the floor and try to get him in a head-lock or something, but he allows himself to be helped up. They stand looking at one another for a moment, their hands still locked; then, a short handshake ensues, and they separate.

“Fine with me,” says Carl.

I exchange surprised glances with Emanuel. Carl backing down from a fight? That’s a first.

“So, here’s the kitchen,” says Dex, disappearing through the doorway, the new guy following him. I hear cupboards being opened and closed. “Here’s the sugar. The milk is in the fridge. A lady called Caroline comes every day to check that we have everything, and to make sure we behave ourselves. What’s your name again? Grumpy something?”

“Greeley,” I hear the guy say.

“Too bad. Grumpy sounds more fitting. Do you mind if I call you that?”

I tense again, half expecting the sound of another punch. Why is Dex playing with him? Didn’t he see what the guy could do?

“You can call me Sleeping Beauty, so long as you don’t try to kiss me in my sleep,” the guy says, and Emanuel snorts next to me. Carl shoots him a glance, and he abruptly grows serious. Carl’s gaze shifts to me, and I realize there’s one more thing to worry about now. I’ve seen him humiliated, and that won’t improve our relationship, which was shaky to begin with.

Dex appears from the kitchen, followed by Grumpy. The nickname is indeed fitting—the man’s face still maintains an inscrutable expression that makes me wonder if he even knows how to smile. He carries a coffee cup that looks ridiculously small in his large hand.

“So,” says Dex, leaning on the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, the other smoothing his long, dark hair. I eye him, wondering how people can be in the same room with him and not just watch him all the time. “What’re you going to study?”

“Architecture,” says Grumpy. “Starting this fall.”

We all hum in surprise. The guy’s hands seem more fit for breaking bricks than holding pencils.

“Oh, same as Avery here,” says Dex, nodding at me. “He’ll show you the ropes.”

I squirm a bit, not happy with the attention shifting my way. Over the rim of his cup, Grumpy’s eyes fix on me. There’s something intimidating about him, and the last thing I want to do is show him the ropes, or anything at all.

“So,” says Dex again, and the heavy weight of Grumpy’s stare lifts from me. “What have you been doing until now? If you don’t mind me saying, you look a bit older than an average student.”

“Military,” says Grumpy.

“Oh, cool. Protecting the country? Where did you serve?”

“Places,” says Grumpy, and takes a sip of his coffee.

“Classified?”

“Would I tell you if it were?”

“I see.”

Dex doesn’t seem to be offended—in fact, he seems genuinely curious. He’s good at finding keys to unlock different people, and likes a challenge. Carl used to be even more of a thug at first, but Dex won him over in days.

I catch myself admiring him again. It’s been the luckiest break of my life, his taking an interest in me. I feel privileged for just being allowed in his company. The way he can deal with people and make them do as he wishes makes me feel included, as if I share a bit of his power and can just relax and bask in the warm glow of his popularity.

He makes me feel protected.

“I think you’ll like it here,” Dex says. “I’ll introduce you to everyone, and you’ll fit right in.” He gives Grumpy one of his most winning smiles and pats him on the shoulder. “We’ll become friends, you wait and see.”

*** I hope you enjoyed the first 3 chapters of "Protect Me"! The whole book is available through the link in my BIO! ***