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

So we can jump inside and get chased by sharks,” Ariel

smirking at me.

got to be

I’m not. Why would I

right in your face. It’s written

my head. “Alright, fine. But if we’re getting

honey

talking shit, since

said, her tone becoming serious

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

with

sense of adventure?”

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

suppress a grin.

my arm. “You know I was just

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

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

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

thank you,

head. “You definitely keep

reached over and turned

car, talking about outrageous ideas to surprise your

she quickly reached to switch off the radio.

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

we should stick to more grounded activities for our next escapade.”

with hers. “As long as I’m with

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

the shark idea, aren’t you?”

“Can’t

abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting

stop those guys before one of them gets hurt,” I said, glancing

at her.

her expression serious as we both stepped out of the

going on here?” I called out, trying to diffuse the tension.

ignored my question, their voices rising in

at each

I yelled, stepping between them as they squared off, fists clenched.

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

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