Chapter 68: Tonics and Tactics

Roy raised an eyebrow at Lucas, a playful grin teasing the corners of his mouth. "But I'm not wrong in guessing that your long, uh, abstinence might have something to do with your mood swings, am I?" He shrugged as he spoke, trying to act unfazed. Roy was risking it, but if he could keep Lucas from sulking through his wedding tomorrow, it was worth the danger.

Lucas glared, his eyes flashing. "And who says having a little *ED* means I can't be with her? Just last night, I was all over her—if it hadn't been for *someone* calling nonstop, who knows where we'd have ended up…" He cut himself off, realizing he'd just let his guard down too far. What was he doing, telling this to Roy of all people?

Roy's curiosity peaked, and his grin widened. "Go on, then! What happened next?"

Lucas's glare intensified, his gaze almost bloodthirsty. "You really want to know?" he growled, daring Roy to keep pushing.

Roy didn't sense the shift and just nodded eagerly, staring off towards the pharmacy entrance as he spoke. He was barely prepared for the lion's roar that followed: "Mind your own business!" Lucas bellowed, his voice booming so loud it nearly rattled the windows. Roy recoiled in shock, his ears ringing.

Blinking and rubbing his ears, Roy tried to laugh it off. "Well, at least I can still hear," he muttered, though he'd genuinely feared Lucas's shout had left him temporarily deaf.

Lucas's mood was shifting again, his glare cooling slightly as he watched Roy. He rarely lost his temper to this degree, even with Roy's constant teasing, but maybe the kid's recent comments had hit closer to home than he'd like to admit. He hesitated, looking away.

"Sorry," Lucas said abruptly, his voice low.

Roy lifted an eyebrow, amused. "What was that?"

Lucas clenched his teeth, knowing Roy was egging him on. "I said, I'm sorry."

"Didn't catch that," Roy said, his eyes dancing with mischief.

Lucas's voice dropped to an icy growl. "Don't push it. Or maybe you'd really like to test my patience?"

Roy backed off immediately, raising his hands in surrender. "All right, all right. You're off the hook." He chuckled, knowing better than to test Lucas's limits further. "So, what's keeping the ladies in there so long?"

Feigning indifference, Lucas huffed. "Women take their time, especially when it comes to that kind of place." He looked around casually, hoping he didn't look as anxious as he felt. "Anyway, I'm thirsty—maybe we should…"

"Let's grab a coffee at the place across the street," Roy finished, already heading over. He didn't notice the daggers Lucas was glaring into his back.

Lucas cursed under his breath. The last thing he wanted was to lose track of Claire and Lauren. He'd only meant to suggest grabbing a quick drink from the vending machine nearby. But Roy had already made his decision, and Lucas grudgingly trailed after him.

---

Meanwhile, inside the pharmacy, Claire was feeling more mortified by the second. "Lauren, stop asking! I just…" She cringed, clutching the bags of tonics and herbs that Lauren had insisted she buy.

Lauren, unphased, just gave her a reassuring smile. "Why not ask? I showed you how to choose all those other supplements—deer antler, seahorse extract, ginseng. You're not just buying them as decorations, you know."

"Of course, but…" Claire stammered, wishing she could somehow disappear. She appreciated Lauren's help but couldn't bear the thought of approaching the pharmacist to ask about certain remedies out loud.

Lauren just looked back at her, mildly perplexed. "Come on, Claire. You're fine with snapping photos for ages, but asking about a health product has you hiding in a corner?"

Claire's cheeks flushed even deeper, and she sighed. "He's going to think something's up when I bring home all these tonics. Maybe I should skip this one?"

"Absolutely not!" Lauren declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Seeing her hesitation, Lauren softened a bit, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Listen, just herbs alone won't have a quick enough effect, not for something like that. But trust me, this one supplement is powerful stuff." Lauren winked, using her charm as a nurse and vice president at the hospital to win Claire's confidence. She had a good reason for pushing Claire—especially with Lucas's stubborn nature.

For once, Lauren was willing to go all in if it meant pushing Lucas and Claire closer.