Leo cuts into his chicken and takes a bite, and an expression of mild surprise appears on his face. That's not bad. She's a better cook than my previous wife. He thinks, satisfied.

“I saw your luggage. Are you going somewhere?” Penelope asks, pausing from her meal.

Leo continues to chew before swallowing. “Yep, I was going to tell you. Did you want to go to the Old Kingdom for a few weeks? I mean, I'll be working while we're there, but it could be a nice change of scenery.” He says casually.

Penelope's eyes widen in surprise. “To the Old Kingdom? For a trip? Oh no, I couldn’t. I have to work. Is your company paying for this? Would they even allow you to bring someone?” She asks with some hidden desire.

“Ah, no. This is a different sort of job. Kind of like an outside contract. I’m using up my vacation days to make this trip.” Leo says with a chuckle.

Penelope’s eyes widen once again. “You’re using up vacation days? You’ve only been working there for like a month! I have to say, Leo, that looks very irresponsible.” She says with a shake of her head.

Leo smiles. “Don’t worry too much about it. It will be fine. Anyways, did you want to come? It will be on me, and the company would be nice.” He says with some hope.

A struggle appears on Penelope’s face. She very much wanted to go but she didn’t want to be too forward. Why does everything seem so natural with Leo? It’s like we’ve been together for years, but I just met him not too long ago! Maybe I should slow things down… She thinks somewhat despondently. Suddenly, determination appears on her face. “When are we going?” Penelope asks.

Leo couldn’t help but smile again.

…

…

Leo opens up the package and takes out what was inside. There were two passports, an extra driving license, two gun licenses, and a handgun. Leo’ eyebrows raise. Just like that, huh? No sketchy dark web deals, or no weird secondary brokers? I bet these are fully legit too. He thinks, impressed. It was starting to seem like the Black Star corporation could do anything.

Penelope walks into the room casually. “Hey, if you have laundry you need done, now’s the time. It’s now or never, cowboy. Hey… What’s that?” She asks as she approaches Leo. “-Passports?” She says curiously as she opens it up. “Michael Sarenova? Who the fuck is that? Wait. Is that a gun!? Leo! What the fuck is going on right now!?” She exclaims, bewildered and slightly intrigued.

“Ughhh… What story would sound the most believable right now?” Leo says, saying the first thing to come to mind.

Penelope gives Leo a blank look. “How ‘bout you say the most anesthetically pleasing story you can think of?” She says sarcastically.

“Ughh…” Leo says, continuing to hesitate. “I’m a secret agent vampire working for the government?” He tries to say, taking a shot in the dark.

Penelope continues to stare blankly. “Yes, that story is very attractive, and it would very much make me horny for you. But tell me the truth. Why do you have a second identity? And why do you have a gun?” She says seriously.

Leo lets out a sigh. “So… I recently got into a weird line of work. I’m kind of like a mercenary. Not the shoot and kill kind, but, like the odd jobs sort of mercenary. There are weird jobs that sometimes need doing and for the guys looking for those sort of people, you could say I’m an option…” Leo says, trying to be honest.

Penelope takes a deep breath. “Have you ever killed anyone?” She asks, her face as cold as a stone.

Leo smiles bitterly. “No, not yet. But as for the future… I can’t say…” He says, deciding to be up front.

Penelope exhales a breath before reaching out to hug Leo. She held on tight and breathed him in. “Okay… Okay, whatever. I don’t care. You just have to promise me that I’ll always be your muse. If you can do that… I’ll be okay with anything… Because to be honest… It’s super hot that you have a gun and a second identity… I’m literally so horny right now…” She says with a sigh, mourning for the fictional drama involved in Leo’s life. Just imagine… Leo caught between a decision to save the world or to save me from mortal peril. Abandoning all morals and the lives of thousands, he saves me no matter the cost. Oh, man. I’m so wet right now. She thinks, her throat feeling a little dry.

Leo lets out a smirk. “Have I ever told you that you were crazy?” He says, somewhat amused.

“Crazy for you, baby. Now come here.” Penelope says before pouncing.