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“No one ever found her or the compendium?” Simon asked.

“Not that I could find in any of the police files or the news from that period,” Vic replied. “Since she was famous, some of her wealthy clients bankrolled private investigators, and the officials felt some pressure to show that they took it seriously. Nothing.”

“Did she change her name and leave the country? Were there any ‘Jane Does’ that showed up dead who might have been her? Could she have had enough magic to stay hidden for the rest of her life?” Simon wondered aloud.

Vic shrugged, palms up. “Dunno. I didn’t find any passport or immigration records, so if she left, she didn’t do it officially. No unidentified bodies that fit the description, and none of her assets were touched. No one ever came forward and claimed responsibility. But I have a theory.”

“And I can tell you’re dying to tell me.” Simon laughed.

“What if either the hotel’s entity spirited her away, or someone it controlled did? What if she and the book never left the Ocean Visions?” Vic tossed his theory out and waited for a response.

“No one’s found a body or a book at the hotel that was ever reported,” Simon answered cautiously, although Vic could tell his partner was thinking about the possibility.

“There are places in the hotel that didn’t make it on the official blueprints,” Vic pointed out. “Like the secret room where the spirit was trapped and the coven room you saw. The power that bound the spirit didn’t fail right then, but maybe she and the book helped to weaken the binding for the future.”

“There’s a room that was blocked shut by debris, but we don’t know what’s inside,” Simon noted.

“Yet,” Vic replied with a grin.

Simon pushed his empty plate away and sat back, nursing his now-cold cup of coffee. “It’s a good theory, as good as any of the other possibilities. I feel like I’ve corrupted you and Ross. Don’t get in trouble with the boss!”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being corrupted,” Vic joked. “And honestly, it’s a nice break from the usual scum and villainy we spend our time chasing. Plus, if we help stop whatever’s going on with the hotel, it’s like ending a century-long crime spree and stopping future crimes, which is very much in our job descriptions. And I’ve got to say that Ross and my research skills have definitely improved.”

They cleaned up the dishes and leftovers and then headed into the living room. Vic poured a glass of wine for each of them, while Simon found the latest episode of a show they were following on streaming.

They cuddled together as they watched television, but toward the end of the episode, Simon set his empty glass aside and began to nuzzle Vic’s neck.

“You said you enjoyed getting corrupted.” Simon’s voice was a sexy growl.

“Hmm…what did you have in mind?” Vic played along.

“Glad you asked.” Simon slipped off the couch to kneel in front of Vic and spread Vic’s legs. He kissed Vic’s thighs through his jeans, working his way up toward the crotch.

Vic felt his cock harden and could tell that Simon was already stiff in anticipation.

Simon leaned in and took the zipper pull to Vic’s fly in his teeth, then very slowly inched it down.

It shouldn’t have been as drop-dead sexy as it was. They had given each other head more often than Vic could count. But every time seemed hotter than the last.

“If you take too long, I won’t last,” Vic warned breathlessly.

Simon gave a sinful chuckle. “I believe in you.” He mouthed Vic’s package through his already damp briefs and slipped his cock and balls free.

“Dessert,” Simon growled before taking Vic’s balls into his mouth, licking and sucking until Vic groaned and slid his hips forward.

“So good,” Vic managed. “Don’t stop.”

“Wasn’t planning to,” Simon took the chance to murmur when he reluctantly let go of Vic’s balls to lick a stripe up his cock.

“Simon…” Vic knew he sounded desperate and didn’t mind at all. Getting blown by his husband was one of his favorite things in life.

“Um-hum.” Simon took the whole shaft down to the root into his mouth and throat in one move, warm and tight and sucking.

Vic came with a shout, spilling down Simon’s throat. Simon didn’t choke, swallowing the whole load, and Vic felt himself go boneless.

“That was awesome,” Vic managed. “Your turn.”

“Too late,” Simon replied. “You can initiate next time. Watching you get off gets me off.”