Table of Contents

  Claiming Rose

  Copyright

  Blurb

  TO MY READERS:

  ACKNOWLEGMENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  OTHER BOOKS BY MARIE TUHART

  CLAIMING ROSE

  By Marie Tuhart

  https://www.marietuhart.com/

  Claiming Rose Copyright © 2023 Marie Tuhart

  All rights reserved

  Digital ISBN: 978-1-954847-20-0

  Cover design by Designed by D

  Editing by Red Quill Editing LLC

  Learn more about Marie Tuhart and her books at https://www.marietuhart.com/. And for up-to-date information about releases, please consider joining Marie’s mailing list.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, opinions, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author and not encouraging piracy of copyrighted materials. To obtain permission to use portions of this text, other than for review purposes, please contact marie@marietuhart.com

  No Generative AI Training Use.

  For avoidance of doubt, Author reserves all rights, and there are no rights to, reproduce and/or otherwise use the Work in any manner for purposes of training artificial intelligence technologies to generate text, including without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as the Work, unless the Author’s specific and express permission to do so is given in writing. Nor does anyone have the right to sublicense others to reproduce and/or otherwise use the Work in any manner for purposes of training artificial intelligence technologies to generate text without Author’s specific and express permission.

  QUALITY CONTROL: We strive to produce error-free books, but even with all the eyes that see the story during the production process, slips get by. So please, if you find a typo or any formatting issues, please let us know at marie@marietuhart.com so that we may correct it.

  Thank you!

  Wicked Sanctuary: Surrender your inhibitions.

  Rose Green finally broke up with her long-time Dom, after he betrayed her trust. Oliver Nelson sees his chance to claim the woman he’s wanted since first sight. But what happens when her old Dom tries to win her back?

  TO MY READERS:

  This book contains elements of the BDSM lifestyle that are only true to life in this book. There are various relationship dynamics in the lifestyle, which are decided between the people involved. While I have researched and talked with people in the lifestyle, this is my take on how my characters choose to live.

  If you decide to explore the lifestyle yourself, please remember to always be safe. Never go home with someone you don’t know. Attend a munch or a small get-together first to see if this is something you want in your life. Reading and living are very different.

  This novella originally published in: Zodiac Encounters - Leo

  Enjoy.

  ACKNOWLEGMENTS

  There are several people I want to thank for supporting me through this book:

  Red Quill Editing team, you are the best team to work with.

  Publisher’s Note: This book contains a dominant male, spunky heroine, and sexy situations.

  Chapter One

  Rose Green took a deep breath and walked into Wicked Sanctuary. The familiar sight of Ralph behind the desk.

  “Nice to see you, Miss Rose,” Ralph said.

  “It’s great to be back.” Rose signed in and then made her way to the ladies room. As she walked by the doors to the club, the beat of the music instantly calmed her nerves. She’d missed this.

  Inside the bathroom, she took off her street clothes to reveal her outfit for the night. Closing the locker and hearing two beeps she stood in front of the full-length mirror. She ran her hands over the boy shorts that showed off her ass. An ass that missed being spanked.

  A laugh escaped her lips. Yeah, she needed this. Rose made her way out of the bathroom and into the club. The music became louder when she walked through the club doors, but the beat made her relax.

  “Rose.” Regina, one of the club subs came running up to her and enveloped her in a big hug. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.” Rose hugged her back. She hadn’t intended so much time to pass. After the argument with Thomas, she thought it was easier to stay away until he was gone. But was he? “What’s this?” She pointed to Regina’s purple and white wrist band, which Rose knew meant Regina had a Dom in her life.

  “Happened while you were gone. I met the most wonderful man.”

  Rose smiled as they walked into the green area meant for subs and Regina told her all about Dane. She was happy for her friend. Rose glanced down at her own wrist. Pink and white meant unattached. She sighed. No going back. Thomas was history.

  “Welcome back, Rose,” a male voice said.

  She looked up to see Master Max standing next to the sofa she sat on. “Thank you, Master Max.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Regina looked at Max who nodded, then stood up and left. Master Max took her place on the sofa.

  “Are you doing all right?” he asked.

  “I’m fine.” Master Max had been there the night of the blow up. She was still a little embarrassed she’d lost her cool.

  Master Max stared at her.

  “Really, I’m good.”

  “I believe you. I want you to know Thomas has been made well aware that he is not welcome here.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.” Rose figured Master Max would ban him, but she wasn’t positive Thomas, one of the club Doms, couldn’t talk his way out of it.

  “I did. He lied, not only to you but all of us. We don’t tolerate that.”

  Rose nodded, not allowing the tears that threated to fill her eyes. She had friends here. Many had called and checked in on her. “Thank you, Sir.” Max was right, Thomas lied to all of them by claiming he was single and didn’t have a care in the world.

  “I’m glad you’re back. I’m sure Sierra will be over to chat, along with the other subs. Take your time and don’t feel rushed to jump back into a scene.” Master Max stood.

  “I won’t, Sir.” That was another reason she’d taken time away from the club. Rose needed to decide if she really needed kink in her life. Sure it relaxed her to have decisions made for her by someone else. But the club scenes went much deeper for her. Trusting someone with her heart and her body, holding the ultimate control of the safe word, but not using it, there was a dichotomy there that thrilled her. A month ago, her Dom had stolen that from her, and Rose was very afraid she’d never get the feeling back.

  Master Max smile then walked away. The next thing Rose knew she was surrounded by the subs of Wicked Sanctuary. Sierra, Crystal, Tessa, Lara, Allyson, Dani and Regina. The woman pulled chairs and sofas closer so they could talk. And before long they were laughing and chatting like the friends they’d been for years.

  * * * *

  Oliver Nelson kept his gaze on Rose, his heart lightened. She was back. He’d missed her throaty laugh, the way she’d sashayed across the floor, and most of all the way her blue eyes twinkled when she was happy.

  Should he approach her tonight? To play? No, it was too soon to ask her to play, but he could talk with her. Oliver had kept his distance because she was committed to Thomas in the club, but then he betrayed her.

  Oliver had been angry on Rose’s behalf, but not only that. Thomas had taken Rose’s trust and threw it away because he wasn’t honest. Oliver wasn’t sure how far outside the club Thomas and Rose’s relationship went, but that didn’t matter. His betrayal affected all of them.

  The shock of him being engaged had rippled through the club like a rogue wave. Thomas always claimed he didn’t have relationships and was a free man. And Rose? Oliver had never seen her lose her temper like she’d done that night. Not that she wasn’t justified in doing so. She was. The man she’d been steadily playing with in the club, a man she trusted, had lied.

  “Thinking of claiming her?” Noah, one of the other Doms asked him.

  “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.”

  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.”

  Trust but not heart. Oliver could work with that. “I’m not married, nor am I in a relationship. Please feel free to ask Max. You could also chat with Noah as we hang out together outside the club.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I understand you’re a vet?” Oliver settled back in his chair. He’d sit here talking with her for as long as she wanted.

  “I am.”

  He kept his gaze on her face. Was she uncomfortable? “You took over Creatures Big and Small.” While he knew a bit about her, he wanted to hear from her.

  “I did. When Dr. Phillips decided to retire, I bought the clinic from him.” Her expression was animated. “I believe you sell real estate?”

  He laughed. “Yes, I do.” So she’d asked about him. His heart warmed.

  “That must be interesting.” Rose shifted in her chair, but her face stayed relaxed.

  “I get to meet a lot of people.” He had a talent for matching people up with what they wanted in a house, condo or townhouse.

  “Me too, although most of mine are animal owners, and some should never have animals.”

  He never thought about the abused animals she must see. “That must be rough.”

  “It is, at times. Animals are one of the few creatures that give us unconditional love.” A shadow fell over them and Oliver looked up to see Lara standing there.

  “Do you need a refill or anything?” she asked, looking directly at Rose.

  “I’m fine. Oliver?” Her voice was soft, but strong.

  “I’m good.”

  “All right. Just let me know if you need refills.” Lara walked away, and Rose let out a sigh. “Some of the subs think I need protecting after Thomas.”

  “They are worried about you.” He paused. “I am too.”

  Her features softened. “I’m okay. As I said, Thomas broke my trust, but not my heart. I only took time away from the club to reevaluate my needs.”

  He was relieved her heart wasn’t involved with Thomas. “Did you consider not coming back to the club?” He might need to be gentler with her than he thought. “I’m glad to hear that your heart wasn’t involved.” Maybe he could get her heart to be involved with him.

  “Not really. I needed to figure out what I wanted out of the club.” Another sigh escaped her lips. “My relationship with Thomas was only in the club, we never saw each other outside of it.”

  “Now you want something different?” He wanted her both in and out of the club.

  “I’m thinking about it.”

  Oliver stared at her and then decided to take the plunge. “Have dinner with me this week?”

  Her eyes went wide. “You’re asking me on a date?”

  “Why don’t we start with friends going out to dinner, then see where it goes from there.” Oliver slid closer to her. “I’ve liked you for a while now, Rose, but I don’t poach. You were with Thomas, so I didn’t approach you.”

 

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