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

herself.
    Bruce shot her a quick smile. "Well, if he turns up again, I promise to scare him away." He gestured to where the tables had been set up, where people were beginning to congregate. "I think it's time for dinner to start."
    Thankfully, they had been seated with Wanda and Miranda, among a few others whose names Violet couldn't remember but easily made polite small talk with. It was a full five-course meal in French cuisine. She kept an eye out for the strange catering lurker, but didn't see him again, and the knot of tension in her belly gradually eased until she had dismissed him entirely.
    The main course was halibut en papillote with asparagus and lemon, paired with a crisp sauvignon blanc . Everyone cut the parchment packets open at the table, and there was a collective deep breath and sigh as the aromatic steam billowed out.
    Even though it seemed more complicated than a typical weeknight dinner, Violet thought it was one of the best meals she'd ever had and wondered if Bruce might show her how to cook it. The fish was dense and tasted clean and mild, and the asparagus were tender-crisp and garlicky.
    Halfway through the meal, Violet was already feeling full. The sensation conspired with the warm atmosphere to make her suddenly a little tired. How do people make it all the way through these things , she wondered. She felt like she might need a nap before tackling dessert.
    She touched Bruce gently on the arm. "I'll be back in a moment."
    "I'll come with you," offered Wanda. "We can powder our noses."
    In the luxurious, oversized, gilt bathroom—excuse her, it was probably called a water closet or something—Violet splashed cool water on her face while trying not to let it ruin her makeup. It helped.
    At the sink, she could feel Wanda watching her. Violet mentally brace herself for questions about her relationship with Bruce and friendly concern before asking, "What is it?"
    "What?" But Wanda started guiltily.
    "Come on, spit it out already."
    Her friend still hesitated before saying, "Has Bruce … talked to you?"
    "Talked to me?" Violet was bewildered and caught off-guard. "About what?"
    Wanda's mouth set in a grimace. "Never mind. You'd know if he had."
    "But you know what it is … whatever it is." Violet's thoughts raced ahead of herself. Whatever Wanda was talking about, it sounded bad. Did he have grandparents who were members of the Klan? An insane wife locked in the attic? Anything she could think of seemed absurd.
    As if her friend could read her mind, Wanda rushed to reassure her. "It's just something about himself. About his family. He ought to have told you." A spasm of annoyance crossed her face. "Now that you guys are getting serious, it seems like …"
    Violet pushed down her initial reaction, which was defensiveness. Wanda was her friend; she had Violet's best interests at heart. No doubt she was just trying to protect her. "Why don't you tell me?"
    Wanda shook her head. "It's not mine to tell." She grimaced again, this time in regret. "I'm sorry, this shouldn't ruin your night. Just … get him to talk to you later. Promise?"
    Violet was mystified, but she agreed. "Give me a couple extra minutes here. Go back to dinner."
    She replaced a few stray hairs that had come loose and inspected her makeup. She didn't have raccoon eyes, which was good; she had a bad habit of sometimes rubbing her eyes without thinking. She tried to think of whatever Bruce should have told her, but couldn't come up with anything.
    I guess that's why they call it a secret .
    It was important to Wanda, but not life-or-death, or she would have said something herself. Violet decided she was okay with that. Whatever Bruce was holding back, it would be fine. She took one more look at herself and decided to return.
    Out in the hallway, one of the caterers brushed very close to her. Violet turned.
    It took her a minute to place him, but it was the caterer she'd seen earlier. The one who had been watching her. Up close, she could