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

inside and get chased by sharks,” Ariel

smirking at me.

have got to be kidding me, Ariel.”

not. Why would I be joking?”

in your face.

if we’re getting chased

didn’t even bring honey in the

just talking shit, since you

her tone

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

burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with

sense of adventure?”

it’s right where it should be, firmly planted on solid ground,” I retorted, unable to

suppress a grin.

nudged my arm. “You know I was just joking, right?”

mimicking her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself close to me back there with

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

course I’ll admit that. I was the one who took you

thank you, mister.”

chuckled, shaking my head. “You

and

car, talking about outrageous

before she quickly reached

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 escapade.”

intertwine my fingers with hers. “As long as I’m with

hand affectionately, her gaze softening. “Likewise, Luke. Let’s

with the shark idea, aren’t

laughed. “Can’t help

I spotted two young guys getting into a heated

we should probably stop those guys before one of them gets

at her.

both stepped out of the car and approached

I called out, trying

their voices rising in anger as they continued to hurl

each other.

between them as they squared off, fists

the problem?” I asked, trying to get to

accusingly at the other. “He