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

want to go

river? So we can jump inside and

smirking at me.

to be kidding

would I

it right in

“Alright, fine. But if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m definitely bringing the honey

even bring honey

was just talking shit,

that’s bullshit,” Ariel said, her tone becoming serious all

compared to yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s

with

sense of adventure?”

it should be, firmly

suppress a grin.

playfully nudged my arm. “You know

her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself

okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit,

was the one who took you

you,

chuckled, shaking my head. “You definitely keep

over and turned

the car, talking about outrageous

glance before she quickly

universe agrees that your shark–chasing plan was a bit out there,” I remarked, breaking the

seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more grounded

hers. “As long as I’m with you,

“Likewise, Luke. Let’s keep making memories together, even if they

the shark

“Can’t help it.”

abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting into a heated argument on the road ahead.

before one of them gets hurt,” I said,

at her.

her expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and approached

I called out, trying to

my question, their voices rising in

at each

between them as they squared off, fists clenched.

I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the situation.

with anger, pointed accusingly at