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

the river? So we can jump inside and get chased by sharks,” Ariel playfully replied,

smirking at me.

be kidding me,

not. Why would I be

I can see it right in

getting chased by sharks, I’m definitely bringing the honey this

didn’t even bring honey in

was just talking shit, since you were talking shit.”

tone becoming serious all

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

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

sense of adventure?”

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

suppress a grin.

nudged my arm. “You know I was just

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

charged. But you have

I was the one who took you there

you, mister.”

“You definitely keep life interesting, Ariel.”

driving, Ariel reached over and turned on

talking about outrageous ideas to surprise your

bemused glance before she quickly reached to

plan was a bit out

perhaps we should stick

long as I’m with you, Ariel, every

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

shark idea, aren’t

“Can’t

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

one of them gets hurt,” I said, glancing

at her.

agreed, her expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and

on here?” I called out, trying to

my question, their voices rising in anger as they continued to

each other.

yelled, stepping between them as they

problem?” I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the

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