The Love From Vengeance (Ariel and Luke) novel Chapter 298

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 

you want to go next?” 

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

smirking at me. 

“You have got to be kidding me, Ariel.” 

“No, I’m not. Why would I be joking?” 

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

I laughed, shaking my head. “Alright, fine. But if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m definitely bringing the honey this time.” 

“You didn’t even bring honey in the first place.” 

“I know. I was just talking shit, since you were talking shit.” 

“And that’s bullshit,” Ariel said, her tone becoming serious all of a sudden. 

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

She burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Luke, where’s your 

sense of adventure?” 

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

suppress a grin. 

She playfully nudged my arm. “You know I was just joking, right?” 

“Sure, sure,” I said, mimicking her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself close to me back there with that bear around. 

She grinned sheepishly. “Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it made for a thrilling adventure.” 

“Of course I’ll admit that. I was the one who took you there after all.” 

“Oh thank you, mister.” 

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You definitely keep life interesting, Ariel.” 

As we continued driving, Ariel reached over and turned on the radio. The announcer’s voice 

filled the car, talking about outrageous ideas to surprise your partner. 

Ariel and I exchanged a bemused glance before she quickly reached to switch off the radio. 

“Looks like even the universe agrees that your shark–chasing plan was a bit out there,” I remarked, breaking the brief silence. 

Ariel laughed, leaning back in her seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more grounded activities for our next escapade.” 

“Agreed,” I said, reaching over to intertwine my fingers with hers. “As long as I’m with you, Ariel, every moment is an adventure worth cherishing.” 

She squeezed my hand affectionately, her gaze softening. “Likewise, Luke. Let’s keep making memories together, even if they involve fewer sharks.” 

“You’re still with the shark idea, aren’t you?” 

Ariel laughed. “Can’t help it.” 

I stopped the car abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting into a heated argument on the road ahead. 

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

at her. 

“Definitely,” she agreed, her expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and approached the scene. 

“Hey, guys, what’s going on here?” I called out, trying to diffuse the tension. 

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

insults at each other. 

“Stop!” I yelled, stepping between them as they squared off, fists clenched. 

“What’s the problem?” I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the situation. 

One of the boys, his face flushed with anger, pointed accusingly at the other. “He tried to have sex with my girlfriend!“/ 

I sighed, shaking my head, and glanced at Ariel, who shrugged, her face turned away. 

The other guy shook his head vehemently. “That’s not true! She’s not even his girlfriend!” 

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