Page 3 of Claiming Rose

He tamped down the hope flaring in him. She could still say no, but he hoped she didn’t. “Very well, Lara’s at eleven, does that work for you?”

“It does. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not pushing.”

Oliver grinned. “I know when to push and when not to. Be safe tonight, Rose.” Without thinking he leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Sorry, I should have asked for consent.”

“It’s fine.”

He nodded, then stood. There was a spring in his step as he walked away from Rose. Tomorrow was going to be a big day. He was confident Rose would say yes, and they could start their relationship.

Chapter Two

Oliver arrived at Sweet and Savory at ten-forty-five on Saturday. He snagged a corner table, and set the flowers he’d bought on the seat next to him. The flowers might be overkill but he couldn’t help it. He sat facing the door so he could see when Rose walked in.

Ten minutes Rose walked in wearing a flowered sundress and strappy sandals that made her legs look long. Her dark brown hair pulled back by clips exposing her elegant neck. He stood and she moved toward him.

He moved and held out her chair for her. “Thank you,” she said softly as she sat down.

“You’re welcome.” He sat down and gave her a smile. “This might be too much.” Oliver picked up the flowers hoping he hadn’t made a mistake.

“Carnations.” Her face lit up. “They’re my favorite, how did you know?”

Oliver’s muscles relaxed as she took the flowers and smelled them. “Lucky guess.” It had been. He’d asked the woman at the flower shop and she said a bunch of different color carnations would be nice.

“You didn’t have to get me flowers.”

“I know, but I wanted to.” He wasn’t behaving very Dom like, but he didn’t care. The flowers made her happy and that’s what he wanted. “What would you like to drink?”

“Vanilla Latte please.”

“Anything to eat?”

“I’m good.”

Oliver stood and went to the counter and ordered. Lara told him she’d bring the drinks to the table, and to relax. He almost rolled his eyes. But Lara was right. He was strung tight. Oliver fought to calm his nerves when Lara delivered their drinks and left.

He fiddled with his cup, took a sip, and watched Rose. Her face was flushed and he wondered if it was from the coffee or something else.

“You asked me a question last night at the club,” she said.

“I did.” He swallowed.

“I would like to be your sub, Oliver.”

Air whooshed out of his lungs. She was agreeing. Thank goodness. “Great.” He glanced around. One of the reasons he picked this corner table, wall behind him, and windows. Less chance of anyone overhearing them. It also helped that the tables around them were empty. “Shall we discuss what you like and don’t like?” He kept his voice low.

“I like bondage, impact play, most things. No hard-core play, like humiliation, knives, canes or crops.”

He nodded. Since he’d watched her play with Thomas he was pretty aware of what she liked and didn’t like. “I can agree to that. There is one thing I need to know.”

“What is that?”

“I know Thomas withheld his engagement from you. What I don’t know is how deeply that hurt you. Were you in love with him?” If she said yes, he’d walk away. He’d have to. Not enough time had passed. He’d waited a long time for Rose to be free, and he wanted all of her. Heart, soul, and body, nothing less.

“He broke my trust.”

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