The Love From Vengeance

298: MONEY TALKS

LUKE’S POV

We were still in the car as Ariel chuckled. “Deal, no honey on our next adventure. But maybe I’ll bring some bear repellent, just in case.”

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Are you implying that I’m not enough to scare off bears?”

She laughed, “Oh, no, not at all. I’m just thinking of extra protection for our future escapades.”

“Fair enough,” I said, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot. “But next time, let’s stick to less adventurous activities, like picnics in the park or binge–watching Netflix.”

Ariel nodded, still grinning. “Sounds like a plan. As long as you’re by my side, I’m up for anything.”

“Yeah, but don’t too be scared next time,” I taunted her, trying to

see her reaction.

Ariel’s grin turned into a playful scowl. “Scared? Me? Please, I’m as brave as they come.

I chuckled, teasing her further. “Oh really? So you weren’t the one clinging to me like a

koala bear back there behind the bushes?”

Her eyes widened in mock indignation. “I was not clinging! I was… strategically positioning myself for safety.”

“Sure, sure,” I said with a smirk. “Strategically positioning yourself to use me as a shield

against the bear.”

Ariel crossed her arms, trying to maintain her facade of bravery. “Well, you know what they say, Luke. Behind every brave person is someone even braver who’s willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Oh, so now I’m the sacrificial hero in this scenario?”

“Exactly!” she exclaimed with a grin. “You’re the unsung hero of our bear encounter.”

I shook my head, still chuckling. “Fine, fine. I’ll accept my role our relationship.”

as the fearless protector of

Ariel leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “And I’ll continue to be the brave one who

60 240 MONEY TALKS

fearlessly drags you into all sorts of crazy situations.”

“Sounds like a perfect balance.” I smiled at her. “So, it’s still early in the morning. Where do

to

inside and get chased

smirking at me.

have got to be

not. Why would I be joking?”

can see it right in your face. It’s written boldly.”

fine. But if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m

bring honey

talking shit,

her tone becoming serious all of a

yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some next–level insanity.” I

laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

sense of adventure?”

be, firmly planted on solid ground,”

suppress a grin.

playfully nudged my arm. “You know

how you were

“Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it made

that. I was the one who took you there after

thank you, mister.”

my head. “You definitely keep life

and turned on the radio. The announcer’s voice

outrageous ideas to surprise

bemused glance before she quickly reached to switch off

shark–chasing plan was a bit out there,” I remarked, breaking

laughed, leaning back in her seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more grounded activities for our next escapade.”

my fingers with hers. “As long as I’m with you, Ariel, every

affectionately, her gaze softening. “Likewise, Luke. Let’s keep making memories together, even

the shark idea,

laughed. “Can’t help it.”

stopped the car abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting into a heated

guys before one of them gets hurt,” I said,

at her.

she agreed, her expression serious as we both stepped out of

called out, trying to diffuse the

ignored my question, their voices rising in anger as they continued to hurl

at each

them as they

get to the bottom

at the other. “He