I never asked if I could bring my bike inside at work either. I just brought it in on my first week working there, walked into my department, moved the copy machine about 2 feet down the wall & stuck my bike in the corner. No one ever said anything to me & I put it there everyday.
Sometimes not asking permission makes people not even realize it's an issue. Bring up something like "where should I put my bike?" to the wrong person & it's likely they will say "nowhere, it's gotta stay outside"...if for no other reason but to push their weight around. people can be like that sometimes.

I say just find a low-key spot & put your bike there & see what happens...it's worth a shot. If they ask you to move it, ask for a detailed explanation why. It's likely they won't have one, especially if the spot you choose for your bike is out of the way.