The Billionbear's Bride: BBW Bear Shifter BWWM Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant

whirlwind—or so it appeared to everyone else—but it was still discomfiting.
    "Miranda Cho, this is my wife Violet. Violet, Miranda is a Vice-President for Stockard Manufacturing. They make a lot of the parts used in our designs."
    They traded pleasantries for a few minutes. Violet cast about for something to say so she wouldn't seem totally clueless. She had read an article recently that discussed how most American factory jobs had been sent overseas. "So does your company outsource your labor?" she hazarded.
    Judging by the way Bruce choked on his drink, it was the wrong thing to say. I've said something horribly embarrassing , Violet thought in a panic.
    But instead of becoming offended, Miranda's demeanor changed from reserved politeness to amusement. "You don't beat around the bush. I didn't think you were the trophy-wife type, Bruce, and I'm glad I was right. To answer your question, no, we don't outsource. We're employee-owned, in fact, and all of our materials and labor are American right down to the bone. It was one of Bruce's conditions of working with us when he first began."
    "That's good to hear," Violet said faintly, over the sound of blood rushing in her ears.
    Though she was smiling, Miranda patted her on the arm, not without sympathy. "These parties aren't my favorite thing, but I think I like you, Violet. If you need anything, please let me know."
    Sure thing , Violet thought as Miranda whisked herself away to parts unknown.
    "I hope I didn't mess up any business deals for you," said Violet when she was sure she could speak again.
    Bruce choked back a laugh. "Actually, I think that's the friendliest I've ever seen her. How about we take a break from socializing? Would you like to dance?"
    The dance floor was lit and beginning to amass a population. Music had begun playing in the background: soft classical, perfect for a gentle, elegant dance like the waltz. Trouble was, Violet had no idea how to waltz.
    "Don't worry," said Bruce. "Just follow me."
    It turned out a basic box step wasn't too complicated. And it didn't hurt that Bruce was the perfect partner: gentle, patient, and endlessly forgiving of any missteps. Soon they were whirling around the ballroom with the other couples with, Violet thought, just as much grace.
    Their dance inscribed a wide arc across the floor, but all of their attention was focused on each other. Their clasped hands and his hand on her waist created a space between them like an intimate, magical world that was all their own.
    Bruce knew perfectly how to lead her with just the press of a hand or the angle of his body. When he intended for her to twirl, she knew it, and laughed with a spontaneous joy at the pleasure of it. And when she returned to him, he claimed her with a kiss—it was nothing improper, just a brief brush of the lips, but she relished the romance and possessiveness of the gesture.
    When they broke apart, she leaned into his shoulder. "I love you," she whispered in his ear.
    "I love you, too," he murmured, his hand tightening on her. "God, I can't even tell you how much."
    The dance ended, and Violet's eyes wandered around the hall. Her gaze snagged on a dark figure at the perimeter—one of the caterers, judging by the uniform he was wearing. Their gazes met, his intense and almost—angry? Violet felt boggled. But then the emotion disappeared from his face, and she thought she must have imagined it. She shook her head to clear it.
    "Is something wrong?" Bruce asked.
    "Nothing." But Violet couldn't shake the unsettled feeling in her gut. "There was just a guy staring at me."
    He chuckled. "I can't blame him. You're a vision."
    She frowned. "No, it was more like … I don't know how to describe it. Maybe I was imagining it."
    "What does he look like?" Bruce glanced back over his shoulder at where she had been looking.
    Violet scanned the area where she had seen him; he had disappeared. "He's gone now. See, I thought it was nothing." She had to laugh at