Page 2 of Claiming Rose

“Maybe.”

“Come on, man. We’ve known each other since our first class. You’ve had a thing for Rose since day one. If she hadn’t been committed to Thomas you would have claimed her.”

“Only if she wanted me to.” Oliver firmly believed in consent, as did everyone in the club. Max was very careful with his screening and had even improved it. The club, in the midst of expanding, had also added extra safety protocols.

Oliver didn’t mind them, while some of the others got a little bent out of shape. Safety of the subs was the most important thing, in his opinion. Oliver walked around the club with Noah, checking out scenes, but couldn’t stop glancing over at the green area.

Finally, the women left and Rose was on her own. Time to make his move. Oliver walked over and stood until Rose looked up at him.

“I’m sorry, Sir. I’m not playing tonight,” she said softly.

“I expected that. May I sit?” Oliver gestured to the empty space beside her.

Her eyes widened but she nodded. He sat.

“I wanted to chat with you, Rose. If that’s okay. I won’t be offended if you tell me no.”

“I wouldn’t do that, Sir.”

Oliver grimaced he didn’t want to be called Sir by Rose right now. “Call me Oliver.”

Her eyes brightened. “May I call you Ollie? Oliver sounds stuffy.”

Rose’s lips turned up and Oliver found himself grinning. “I would prefer you didn’t.” While the nickname from her lips sounded like music, every time he heard it he would think of the grade school bullies.

“Okay, Oliver.” She shifted on the sofa. “What did you want to talk about?”

“How are you doing?” While physically she looked great, mentally could be another issue.

“I’m fine.” She let out a sigh.

“What is it?” He wanted to know what was going on in her head.

“Everyone is worried about me, but I’m good.”

“You were gone for a month.” A long month.

“I was. I needed to get my head on straight before I came back.”

“Yet, you’re not playing tonight.” He wondered about that.

Rose tilted her head. “What are you trying to say, Oliver?”

“I’d like you to consider becoming my sub when you’re ready.”

She blinked several times.

“I’m going to emphasize, when you are ready. Not tonight, heck not even next week unless you want.” Rose tucked her chin and Oliver wondered what that was about. She wasn’t usually a shy sub.

She was quiet for a minute, then she lifted her head. “I would like time to consider this offer.”

“Take all the time you need.” He wouldn’t push her.

“How about coffee tomorrow morning at Lara’s café and I’ll give you my decision.”

Oliver was surprised. “Won’t you need more time.”

Rose shook her head. “I’ll know by then.”

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