Page 97 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

Rather than open my gob and explain how inconsiderate they’re being towards Eden, I remain silent because I’m out-ruled by the other three.

Plus, I’m hoping she puts them in place because Eden doesn’t put up with their bullshite.

“There isn’t room for all of us,” I add, even though I aim to be quiet and let the lads fall gracefully flat on their faces, I’m also hoping to discourage everyone. “We need a professional recording studio. Even the one Haze has here hasn’t got the most up-to-date equipment we need for production.”

“We can set up a schedule for when we need to record. We don’t need to be in LA to write,” Haze says, and the wanker’s in this completely. “Have you ever thought about extending the building? It’s not like you have a lack of land.”

"What?" there’s a mixture of shock and curiosity in her voice. I think she’s still attempting to absorb their first suggestion of moving in with her. Expanding her property has just added to her bewilderment, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind as she contemplates the implications of turning her sanctuary into some kind of love nest with a group she may have only just begun to rekindle her relationship with.

I cross my arms, lean into the counter, and watch this unfold with amusement. Every ounce of me knows Eden will rebuke all their suggestions, and it's both satisfying and entertaining to witness the impending crash of my brother and my two best friends.

“Princess, you have a nice place, but you built it with just yourself in mind,” Haze is so blind in love that he’s about to ricochet himself head-on to impending doom with Eden. “The other thing is whether you need to keep Catalina.”

To describe this exact moment is like a cannon blast. The instant before the deafening explosion, there's an ominous stillness, as if the world is holding its breath. Then, with a thunderous eruption, Eden stands up, scrapping the stool against the floor, and stares at him as if she wants to punch him.

My brother’s coming in a little too heavy, and I don’t think Eden was expecting such a reaction from Haze. The intense anxiety lingers in the air as she takes everything in, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to shut him down.

“You’re just inviting yourself to live in my home?” her eyes widen in surprise.

The question hangs in the air, and for a moment, the room seems to hold its breath. Watching this unfold, I idly play with the metal ring between my teeth and tongue. With each passing second, waiting with curious anticipation for one of them to reply.

All three men must realize by now they fucked up.

"Yeah," Haze continues to dig deeper into his grave. He stands up and takes a step closer to her. "We spend so much time together already, and I love being with you. It just makes sense, right?"

Eden blinks, processing the unexpected proposal. Her initial surprise gives way to a mix of emotions—flattered, yet slightly caught off guard.

"I... I didn't see this coming," she admits.

Nor did I, if we’re being truthful here.

“This is a big step, and you’re talking about renovating my home. Catalina’s been with me for almost fifteen years. I can’t just fire her."

“She like seventy, right? She could start her retirement,” Jagger argues, and I’m surprised he agrees with this despite her obvious initial reaction to the suggestion.

Are they fucking blind? It’s clear she doesn’t want her life disrupted back in the desert.

“Sixty-three.” She corrects, and there is no missing the bitter tone in her voice.

Eden makes sure she steps away from Haze and nervously brushes her hand over her temple, considering his words.

“What’s wrong with this place?” she flickers her eyes directly at him.

“It’s LA. The stalker never bothered you in the desert.”

She purses her lips together.

“So this is what it’s about.” And the disappointment is etched all over her face.

Now, she thinks this isn’t about taking their relationship to the next level but just a temporary fix for the band.

Bloody knobheads. This is way too cringeworthy to watch.

Haze nods, his eyes reflecting a mix of eagerness and uncertainty. "I know it’s strange to already talk about moving in together, but I feel like we're ready for it. What do you think?"

Eden considers his words. The unexpected nature of the request leaves her grappling with the sudden change in their dynamic.

"I appreciate the worry," she finally replies, “but no. I’m not getting rid of Catalina. And while I’m still getting used to the idea of you and me together, I don’t want to make permanent plans unless we know exactly where it’s going.”

---