Page 40 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

“No, I need you to hold the fort here. Perhaps I’ll return soon. You’re right about them. My guard will be up, and I’m only going for the music.”

I turn the navigation off as soon as I drive through the opened black iron gates of the property I am familiar with.

How many times had I come here? But that was a lifetime ago. Circumstances and emotions were different.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery, this opulent residence stands as a testament to luxury and sophistication. As I drive through the open gates, the familiarity hits me with a touch of nostalgia.

If the guys weren’t at my old place in Bel Air, then they were here. If I remember correctly, I think they lived here whenever they were in LA.

Haze’s residence always captured that essence of modern but affluent living, combining style, comfort, and a sense of exclusivity in every meticulously crafted detail.

I park my truck next to the two SUV rentals and hop out, letting Storm follow me before closing the vehicle door.

Music plays in the distance, and I know where they might be.

It’s late afternoon, and I’ve been driving for hours, but I’d know that familiar jam anywhere.

Skipping the front door, I walk all the way to the end of the wall, to the side entrance, where the staff would come through to take care of the day-to-day runnings of the property.

I ring the bell there and wait.

Some moments later, I hear the lock and latch unhook, and the door opens to reveal two pairs of deep blue eyes staring at me. A warm smile emerges on Jagger’s face.

“Will it be a hundred percent our songs?” I ask, and his smile extends as far as it can go on his face.

“There is no other way.” He says and steps aside to allow me through. “Good to see you, Eden.”

Without waiting for him, I take the path towards the Haze’s mini sound studio.

Pushing the doors open to the small, purposely built building located within the gardens of the property, a flood of emotions rush in, both familiar and foreign. The sight of familiar instruments; guitars, drums, and a keyboard. But it's who’s using them that stops me in my tracks.

“Eden!” I hear Haze call out with surprise.

Suddenly, the random music stops playing, and the attention is directed at me as if I’m transported to a stage, and the spotlight shines on me.

“Fancy having an extra bandmate?” I say sheepishly.

“You’ve always been a member, luv,” Asher says.

“I brought Storm with me,” I say to Haze. “I hope you don’t mind.”

But Asher is already by my side, crouching down and greeting my furry partner.

“Of course, he doesn’t,” he says, answering for Haze as he scratches Storm’s neck.

“So, how long do you plan to be here?” Callum says warily. He seems to have thawed since our altercation at my house but sees me here with guarded uncertainty.

“Not that anyone’s complaining,” Jagger says behind me.

“Where are your bags?” Haze asks, “One of us should go get them.”

“This was kind of a last-minute decision. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay here tonight, but in the morning I’ll stay at Brittney’s until I can find a place for me and Storm. I would have gone there tonight, but she’s in San Francisco and will only return later this evening.”

If they are disappointed, none of them show it. Haze shrugs his shoulders.

“I’m not going to force you, Eden. There are five bedrooms and only four of us. The fifth one is empty and is yours if you want it. No pressure from us.”

“I think it’s best,” I confirm.

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