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

we can jump inside and

smirking at me.

have got to be kidding me,

would I

in your face. It’s written boldly.”

we’re getting chased by

even bring honey in the first

just talking shit, since you were talking

said, her tone becoming serious all of a sudden.

seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some next–level insanity.” I glanced at her incredulously.

sparkling with mischief.

sense of adventure?”

think it’s right where it should be, firmly planted on

suppress a grin.

arm. “You know

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

you

that. I was the one who took you there

thank you,

chuckled, shaking my head. “You definitely

continued driving, Ariel reached over and turned on

outrageous ideas to surprise your partner.

before she

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

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

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

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

still with the shark

“Can’t

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

we should probably stop those guys before one of them gets hurt,” I

at her.

expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and

I called out, trying to diffuse the tension.

the boys ignored my question, their voices rising in anger

each other.

yelled, stepping between them as they squared off, fists

get to the bottom

pointed accusingly at the other.