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 by sharks,” Ariel playfully

smirking at me.

have got to be

Why would I

right in

if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m definitely bringing the

bring honey in the first place.”

just talking shit, since you were

tone becoming serious all of a sudden.

yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some

her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Luke, where’s

sense of adventure?”

it should be, firmly planted on solid ground,” I retorted, unable to

suppress a grin.

playfully nudged my arm. “You know I was

sure,” I said, mimicking her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself

you have to

the one

you, mister.”

my head. “You definitely keep life interesting, Ariel.”

we continued driving, Ariel reached over and turned on

about outrageous ideas

before she quickly

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

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

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

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

still with the shark

“Can’t help

car abruptly as I spotted two young guys

one of them gets hurt,” I said, glancing

at her.

as we both stepped out of the car and approached the scene.

on here?” I called out, trying to diffuse the

boys ignored my question, their voices rising in anger as they

at each

as

I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the

his face flushed with anger, pointed accusingly at