Read The Billionbear's Bride: BBW Bear Shifter BWWM Paranormal Romance for Free Online Page A

stepped out, holding the door open, and extended a hand to her.
    Violet took it, holding tight, and stepped out into the warm evening air. She didn't recognize their surroundings; this wasn't their hotel. She shot an inquiring look at Bruce. "Where are—?"
    He grinned. "I thought we could celebrate by getting some dinner."
    The city stretched tall above them, sparkling with lights and possibility. She spied dozens of places within walking distance where they could get a bite, from the classiest joints to food trucks. "Where are we eating?"
    Bruce winked at her. "You'll see."
    He didn't take her to any of the places lit by neon signs, nor to any of the obvious restaurants. Not even to one of the food trucks—even though she could smell the delicious, probably unsafe fried food from where she was standing. Instead, he led her down a dim alley with a reassuring smile—"Don't worry, they just like to be discreet"—and to a completely unassuming back door. It looked like the kind of door people sold drugs out of, if she was being honest.
    When Bruce knocked, a strip came away and a pair of suspicious eyes peered out. "Davis reservation for two," Bruce said easily, like he'd done this a thousand times.
    They were admitted—so secretive!—and it turned out the restaurant was one of those places where the inside was completely different from the outside. Outside was a ragged, industrial alley in a big city—fluorescent, neon, and steel everywhere. Inside was a luxurious ranch-style steakhouse with wood and warm lights. Despite the air of luxury, it had a homey feeling to it.
    Violet curled her hand around Bruce's arm as they went up a set of narrow stairs. "Have you been here before?" she whispered. It was the kind of place that made you want to whisper.
    His smile flashed down at her—but there was a slightly anxious edge to it. "Yes, it's one of my favorites. What do you think of it? So far, I mean."
    Violet bit her lip to stop from grinning. That warm feeling was coming back again, pooling low in her gut and making her skin tingle with the nearness of him. He had shared something with her, something he liked, and he wanted her to like it, too.
    He’s just being a gentleman , she reminded herself. No sex, no feelings, no complications, remember?
    "If the food holds up to the atmosphere, I'll be impressed."
    "It's the best," he murmured, a low intensity to his voice that made her shiver and press herself harder against his arm. Against her husband's arm. She could call him that.
    They were seated at a booth that was spacious, yet cozy: they could hardly see or hear other diners. The menu was the type where there were no prices listed next to the items; it was that expensive, she guessed.
    He ordered some kind of steak with an odd name, and she went for a salad. Even though the booth was big, she sat close to him; he didn't seem to mind.
T
hey shared a bottle of wine—something vintage and red she didn't recognize from the grocery store shelves, of course, and it was delicious—and she offered up a toast.
    "To fake relationships," she said, holding her glass up.
    His smile dimmed slightly, but he clinked his glass against hers. "And to real ones."
    He was looking at her seriously, somehow meaningfully, even though she wasn't sure what exactly the point was. Blood rushed to her face.
    "Well, now you know my deepest secret," he continued, as if there hadn't just been a moment between them. "You have to tell me yours."
    It was all in her head, she told herself, but the words seemed weak. Violet wagged a finger. "Nuh-uh. That wasn't a trade."
    "Maybe not your deepest, darkest secret," he allowed generously. "We can save that for day two of our marriage. But you can tell me something."
    She took a sip of her wine. "What would you like to know?"
    He studied her for a minute. "What do you want, more than anything in the world?" he asked.
    What a question! She didn't even know where to start answering it, and gave a nervous laugh.