Definitely some stuff she didn’t like—but enough she did enjoy to keep her satisfied. Balancing the two was always fun.

He took another sip and wandered over to the back window, which overlooked the minuscule patch of grass that could use cutting.

Meg would have to get on that this weekend. Relegating lawn chores to her had been one of his stipulations if they exchanged his apartment for a house. After a full day of physical labor, sweating behind a lawnmower held no appeal.

Propping a shoulder against the wall, he watched a feral cat slink through the darkness, scavenging in the trash bins for a few tasty morsels.

Meg wasn’t the prettiest or smartest or most adventurous woman he’d ever met, but she’d been easy to win, thanks to her weight issues and the loser parents who’d pulverized her self-esteem. It had been pathetic how fast she’d succumbed to a few compliments and kisses.

And she didn’t want to lose him. Didn’t want to lose the way he made her feel when he was in one of his generous moods. A little sweet talk, a few gentle touches, a thoughtful gesture here and there—she was putty in his hands.

Grinning, he finished off the beer, tossed the can, and headed down the hall five minutes early.

She’d hate that. Being caught in the middle of a shower always embarrassed her.

But he’d tell her he couldn’t wait any longer to be with her.

The truth, though?

It was all about control.

Buzz double-checked the clothing laid out on his bed, ticking off the items one by one as the evening news played on the screen behind him.

Everything was there, ready for his trial run this weekend.

He fingered the black T-shirt, then picked up the brass knuckles and slipped them on. An old-fashioned weapon, but effective—and quiet.

As was the Ka-Bar knife.

It was amazing how available this kind of gear was on the open market.

And he knew how to use it all.

He set the knuckles back on the bed and took a deep breath. Blew it out.

There was no reason to be nervous. He’d already done most of this in his previous life on the West Coast.

But the task dangling before him was much higher profile—and this weekend’s mission would confirm he was up to the job.

If all went well, he’d move on to—

“And now, we have an update on last week’s story about the fake bomb that was left at radio personality Eve Reilly’s house six days ago.”

Buzz swung toward the screen, tuning in as the anchorman recapped today’s events, beginning with the call to the station during Eve’s program.