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 next?”

the river? So we can jump inside and get

smirking at me.

have got to be kidding me,

Why would I be joking?”

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

laughed, shaking my head. “Alright, fine. But if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m

didn’t even bring honey

I was just talking shit, since you were talking

her tone

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

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

sense of adventure?”

right where it should be, firmly

suppress a grin.

my arm. “You know I was just

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

guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it made for a thrilling

I’ll admit that. I was the

thank you,

shaking my head. “You definitely keep

we continued driving, Ariel reached over and turned

about outrageous ideas to surprise your partner.

she quickly reached to switch

like even the universe agrees that your shark–chasing plan was a bit out

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

long as I’m with you, Ariel,

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

still with the shark idea,

laughed. “Can’t help it.”

I spotted two young guys getting into a heated argument

before one of

at her.

serious as we both stepped out of the car and approached

what’s going on here?” I called out, trying to diffuse

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

each

as they squared off, fists clenched.

I asked, trying to get to

pointed accusingly at the other. “He tried to have sex with