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

the river? So we can jump inside and get

smirking at me.

be

I’m not. Why would I

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

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

didn’t even bring honey

shit, since

her tone becoming serious all of a sudden.

it’s not compared to yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some next–level insanity.” I glanced at her

with

sense of adventure?”

it’s right where it should be, firmly planted on solid ground,”

suppress a grin.

arm. “You know I was just

how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself close to me

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

admit that. I was the one who

thank you, mister.”

shaking my head. “You definitely keep life interesting,

over and turned on the radio. The announcer’s

car, talking about outrageous ideas

bemused glance before she quickly reached to switch off the

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

in her seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more

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

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

still with the shark

laughed. “Can’t

the car abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting

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

at her.

stepped out of

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

their voices rising in anger as they continued

each

them as they squared

I asked, trying to get to the bottom of

of the boys, his face flushed with anger, pointed accusingly at the other. “He tried