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

to go

can jump inside and get

smirking at me.

be

would

it right in

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

honey in the first place.”

know. I was just talking shit, since

her tone becoming serious all of a

yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some

burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Luke,

sense of adventure?”

it should be, firmly planted on solid ground,” I retorted, unable to

suppress a grin.

“You know I

like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘

grinned sheepishly. “Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it made for

the

thank you, mister.”

head. “You definitely keep life

driving, Ariel reached over and turned on the radio.

talking about outrageous ideas to surprise your partner.

glance before she quickly

shark–chasing plan was a bit out there,” I remarked, breaking

perhaps we should

hers. “As long as I’m with you, Ariel, every moment is an adventure worth

her gaze softening. “Likewise, Luke. Let’s

shark idea, aren’t you?”

laughed. “Can’t help

guys getting into

we should probably stop those guys before one

at her.

expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and approached

called out, trying to diffuse the

their voices rising

each

as they squared off, fists clenched.

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

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