What a piece of work. Leo shook his head at the closed office door. Moments ago, Teddy had slammed it shut in a fit of pique and flounced away with her nose in the air and her perky butt swaying. The wayward party girl was going to be a royal pain, but she owed Leo big time. Teddy had no idea that her turtledove fiasco at the Palazzo San Marco had destroyed one of his most painstaking remodeling projects to date. His blood pressure skyrocketed just thinking about the precious time he’d lost and the millions wasted on repairing the damage.
The Venetian hotel insurance had paid for much of the repairs, but Leo’s company had suffered a tremendous setback. He had initially planned to sue Randolph Behr, only to learn that the Riviera was on the brink of bankruptcy. After tough negotiating, they’d come to a solution. To avoid a lawsuit, Leo would take the majority of the profit and manage the Riviera Hotel’s renovation, overseeing it through opening week.
Leo had been surprised when Randolph revealed that his daughter was the sole shareholder. After the millions of dollars her exploits in Venice had cost him, as far as Leo was concerned, Teddy’s shares were his—along with her pampered little ass. La Princesa’s cushy lifestyle was about to come to a screeching halt. He planned for her to work hard and he wouldn’t be surprised if she caved by tomorrow. An eye for an eye, he thought grimly.
Since graduating from university, Leo had carved a name for himself in the luxury hotel industry. He’d made millions restoring grand, old hotels and turning them into megastars of the millennium. The Riviera was one of the many hotels he’d refurbished in the past and its success was of utmost importance. If all went well, the celebrity lifestyle guru, Lionel Jove, would feature the Riviera on his upcoming television special to celebrate Miami Beach’s centennial anniversary.
Every high-end hotel in Miami Beach was vying for the elite spot in Lionel Jove’s “Lavish Lifestyles” commemorating the Magic City’s anniversary. Leo was well aware the competition was stiff for the coveted Platinum Medal, awarded to the best of the best of Miami Beach hotels. The Riviera Hotel was destined to win the Platinum Medal. Leo was certain it would surpass the others after his exhaustive efforts of the past year.
Not bad for the bastard child of Don Esteban de Aragón, the leading European hotel czar. No matter how much wealth Leo amassed or the industry accolades he was awarded, Don Esteban would never acknowledge him as his son. If he did, he’d have to admit to his wife, whose family wealth had funded his successful endeavors, that he’d cheated on her with a common gypsy.
To Don Esteban, Leo would always be the wild bastard kid of the Basque gypsy and beautiful Flamenco dancer, Reina Guerra. Ironically, none of the old man’s three sons with Doña Bernarda looked like him. Only Leo had inherited the arrogant man’s aquiline nose, intense, dark eyes and blade-like cheekbones.
Raised by Reina, his weak-willed mother and Carlos Antonio, his jerk of a stepfather, Leo had never experienced parental nurturing or guidance. On a daily basis, Carlos Antonio had relished kicking Leo’s ass and telling him he was stupid and worthless. As soon as he grew to his adult height of six foot two, Leo had decked the sadistic bully with all the pent-up rage from years of abuse. He packed his meager belongings and tried to get his mother to leave Carlos Antonio, but she wouldn’t budge. At 13, Leo left home with a heavy heart not knowing it would be the last time he’d see his mother, who later died of cholera.
Leo curled his hands into tight fists and stared at them. After thrashing Carlos Antonio, he hadn’t reverted to using his fists again to get what he wanted. When he’d left home, he realized he inherited his mother’s wanderlust as he traveled through Spain, France and Italy, taking any job offered to survive, from the most menial to the most physically challenging. As luck would have it, when his travels led him to Venice, Leo was immediately hired by Matilde Aquarone, a childless, highly cultured widow, to help run the Palazzo San Marco, which had fallen into disrepair and hard times.
From that moment on, Leo worked for Matilde, doing anything and everything she needed in exchange for room and board. After she fell and broke her hip during Christmastime and Leo cared for her like a son, Matilde took him under her wing. Determined to see him succeed, she tutored him in the arts and sciences and gave him full access to her late husband’s vast library and resources. A voracious reader and insatiable student, Leo was eager and ready for higher learning.
When the hotel began to flourish, Matilde hired a general manager and facilitated things for Leo to attend university. He spent every summer and holiday at the Palazzo San Marco, which symbolized more than home for him. It was a secure dwelling where he blossomed under Matilde’s love and encouragement. Fueled by her strong belief in him, Leo used his firepower intellect, rigid work ethic and driving ambition to refurbish the Palazzo San Marco beyond its previous magnificence.
When Matilde died, she bequeathed the palazzo to Leo. Rather than sell it and move on as his restless nature demanded, Leo held onto it. The Palazzo San Marco was his badge of honor and success, and no one could take it away from him.
After the Riviera Hotel’s grand re-opening, Leo might embark on a lucrative new venture in collaboration with Randolph. They were eyeing a project in exclusive Fisher Island that looked exciting. During the past months, he had grown to admire the older man deeply and to appreciate his generosity in sharing his impressive business network. Randolph’s seasoned mentoring and his interest in Leo were far more than his own father had given him.
His thoughts inadvertently turned to Teddy. Randolph Behr had told him that his only daughter was the apple of his eye. Leo had expected to tangle with a spoiled party girl who lived a charmed life, but Randolph hadn’t mentioned Teddy’s natural beauty and fiery spirit. While Leo had laid down the law, he’d been distracted by a set of sparkling golden chocolate eyes, flushed pink cheeks and a lush, scarlet pout in her fresh face.
Teddy was too pretty to ignore and Leo had noticed every pampered inch of her—from the silky, pale gold hair that reached past her round breasts to her sleek, toned curves. When she’d bolted up and turned to leave, the flash of long, tanned legs and a firm-cheeked backside in barely there panties had made him instantly hard.
When she’d haughtily told him not to ogle her, he’d had to bite back a chuckle. Guilty as charged, he thought wryly.
Leo remembered Randolph’s cautionary words about his daughter. “Teddy has a way of wrapping most men around her little finger—including me. She backed out of two engagements already and left the men with bleeding hearts. Better watch out, Leo.”
He didn’t need to be forewarned. As much as La Princesa had an angel face paired with a tantalizing bottom and long, shapely legs, he planned on keeping his libido in check.
There was one big problem though.
He’d always had a weakness for leggy blondes with big honey-colored eyes.
“Teddy, I was just looking for you,” Martha said, intercepting her in the lobby as Teddy rushed to the front desk. “Is everything OK?”
Teddy frowned. “No, not really. Why did you leave me alone with that madman, Martha? Guerra is horrible.”
Martha smiled. “Leo isn’t horrible. He’s a bit short on temper lately, but he’s always decent and fair.”
“Fair? Is that what you call what he’s planning for me?” Teddy whirled on Martha with hurt in her heart. Could this sweet woman be in agreement with Guerra’s tough plan for her?
“Teddy.” Martha’s placating tone sparked a flash of anger in her. The dear woman was always finding the bright side of things and pointing out everyone’s best qualities—everyone but The Amoeba who didn’t have any. It was one of Martha’s endearing qualities, but today it was irritating, especially where Teddy was concerned.
“I’m going to see Daddy,” Teddy said after a pause to collect herself. “But first I need answers. Is it true The Amoeba has cut me off?”
Martha sighed deeply and when she met Teddy’s gaze, her eyes conveyed her helplessness. “Unfortunately, yes.”
Teddy’s jaw clenched. “This is just more of the same crap my dear stepmother been dishing out all these years. She’s set on driving me away, but I’m not going anywhere,” she said fiercely.
Martha hugged her. “Atta girl!”
“I’ve been gone nearly a year and everything has gone downhill since, including my relationship with Daddy,” Teddy said, her heart aching. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to report to Guerra now. Does he really own the majority shares?”
Martha’s mouth pursed as she looked like she was struggling over what to say. “He does. It was the only way Randolph could convince him not to sue.”
Teddy’s confused eyes zeroed in on Martha. “Why on earth would he sue Daddy?”
Martha drew in a heavy breath and exhaled it tersely. “It’s very unfortunate,” she said, shaking her head, “but Leo renovated the Palazzo San Marco…he owns it.”
Teddy gasped and grabbed Martha’s arm. “Wait a minute! Did you just say that Leo renovated the Palazzo San Marco and he owns it?”
Martha nodded. “Unfortunately, yes.”
Teddy’s stomach pitched. “Oh God,” she mumbled.
“He was out for blood when he found out what happened at the party and that you were the host, Teddy.”
Teddy was filled with despair as she looked at Martha. “No wonder he hates me. I’m sure The Amoeba is egging him on to make my life a misery.”
“No doubt.” Martha gave Teddy’s hand a squeeze of solidarity. “You need to be on your guard with Lola. She’s been on a rampage since the renovations started. It hasn’t been smooth sailing and a lot of things have gone wrong lately.”
“Really? Like what?”
Martha looked over her shoulder in both directions. “I can’t get into it now,” she said in a low voice. “There are so many new employees, including Leo’s right hand assistant.”
That didn’t sound right. Why on earth would Leo need to hire a right hand assistant when Martha was the finest? “Wait a minute. Aren’t you Guerra’s right hand assistant?”
“No. I work directly for your father, no one else. Ashley was hired by Leo.”
Good thing Daddy had decided to provide a lifetime employment contract for Martha when she had had gall bladder surgery five years ago. Poor Martha had been worried that if complications arose, she would miss work and someday risk losing her job, especially with Lola in the picture. Daddy wouldn’t hear of Martha having one anxious moment when it came to her welfare, so he had his lawyer draw up an agreement giving her job security and peace of mind.
Daddy was a generous provider, always looking out for those he loved. Teddy squared her shoulders and put her hands on her hips. “You know something? After that despicable meeting with Guerra, I was ready to take the next flight to Paris, but I’ve decided to stay. I’m going to stick it out, no matter what.”
“That’s a wise decision, dear. Lola is not to be trusted,” Martha said, giving her the side eye. “I hate to say this, but since she has cut you off, you don’t have much choice but to stay. You can’t be gallivanting around Europe without any money.”
Teddy wasn’t that worried about her funds. She was resourceful and could get around. She was more worried about the Spanish tyrant who’d taken over Daddy’s office.
“Agreed. Lola isn’t to be trusted and neither is Guerra. He has too much power. I don’t like that he’s bringing in his own people and stepping on the toes of the ones who have been loyal to Daddy for years,” Teddy said, meaning Martha. “I’m going to make sure he doesn’t take ownership of the dynasty Daddy worked so hard to build,” she vowed.
Teddy rode in the back seat of the family town car with Sam at the wheel. At dusk, Miami Beach’s skyline glowed in vibrant shades of sapphire, jade, ruby and amber as they whisked along the MacArthur Causeway to her family home on Star Island, a located in the middle of Biscayne Bay, west of Miami Beach.
“I missed you at the airport yesterday,” Teddy said to Sam.
Sam scratched the back of his neck below his thatch of coarse gray hair. “I’m sorry about that, Miss Teddy, but it couldn’t be helped. At the last minute, Mrs. Behr needed to go to Rene Ruiz’s boutique for a fitting.” Sam sighed. “Mr. Behr wasn’t happy about it when he found out, and I felt terrible.”
“Don’t worry. It wasn’t your fault.” Teddy reached over the front seat and handed Sam a gift bag. “Here’s a little something I picked up for you. I hope you still like Cartier cologne.”
“Indeed, I do, Miss Teddy.” He turned and winked at her, his craggy face creased with a big smile. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. So how’ve you been? You and Sadie still ballroom dancing?”
“Every weekend at the JCC,” he said proudly.
“Pretty soon you’ll be on Dancing with the Stars.”
Sam chuckled and beamed at her. “I’ll be sure to tell Sadie you said so.”
The minute they arrived, Teddy felt the all-encompassing pangs of homesickness and longing for her mom. This used to be her childhood home, yet Lola had remodeled the mansion so many times, she barely recognized it.
Tina, the new downstairs maid, greeted her at the door and ushered Teddy into Daddy’s study where she found him in his favorite zero gravity recliner reading the Wall Street Journal.
“Daddy!” Teddy rushed toward him with outstretched arms.
Randolph set the paper down and lumbered forward to embrace her in his burly arms. Locked in his tight bear hug, Teddy suddenly felt like she was ten years old again, safe and content in his arms.
“Sugar bear, you are a sight for sore eyes,” he murmured, his booming voice husky with emotion.
Teddy pulled back and gazed at him lovingly. Daddy didn’t seem angry, but his face looked drawn and his blue eyes weary. “I’ve missed you, Daddy.” She smiled impishly. “I thought I’d find you drinking your favorite bourbon and puffing on a stinky ole cigar.”
Daddy grunted and shook his head. “I wish. Those damn fool doctors have put me on a no booze, no cigar diet. It’s boring as hell and I’m getting fed up with it,” he groused. He sank down on the dark brown leather couch with a hefty sigh and patted the space beside him.
Teddy joined him and after a moment of weighted silence, she took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry…about everything that happened in Venice. I truly am. I didn’t mean to cause you so much heartache and expense, Daddy.” By the time she finished telling him about—and reliving—the Venice fiasco and fire that ensued, she was trembling. When he remained quiet, Teddy’s heart bounded and her tightly clasped hands formed a knot of anguish.
Daddy drew in a troubled sigh and patted her knee. “I know you’ve been trying to reach me, but I had to calm down and get over my anger before we could talk.”
“I understand.” Teddy cautiously touched his arm. “Do you forgive me?”
He put an arm around her shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Of course I do. You’re my daughter.”
“Thank you,” Teddy said, the tightness leaving her chest.
Daddy’s mouth flattened. “But you need to learn from this experience so it doesn’t happen again.”
“It won’t. I promise. I am going to make you proud, Daddy. But I want to work directly with you, not Guerra.” Teddy held her breath and mentally crossed all her fingers and toes.
“No, the disaster in Venice could have been avoided if you’d been managing the party better. When you take on an event of those proportions, you can’t spend your time socializing. You have to be at the helm, Teddy, making sure the evening goes off without a hitch.”
“But I never expected anyone to bring the turtledove cage inside and open it. How could I control a drunken guest? The turtledoves were supposed to be let loose as soon as Michi and Crispin left the party. It was going to end everything with a bang.”
“It ended with more than a bang,” Daddy said, shaking his head. “My mind is made up, hon, and nothing you say will change it. One day you will inherit the Riviera, and I want to make sure you know what you’re doing. You’ll learn everything you need to know from working for Leo and that’s final.” He gazed at her fondly, but his tone was hard and resolute. “If I didn’t love you so much this would be easier. I have total confidence in Leo. He’s in charge and you will cooperate with him,” he said inflexibly.
Teddy’s eyes beseeched him. “But he hates me and blames me for everything—”
Daddy held up a hand. “Hush. Every penny I made building the Behr Foundation was the result of hard work. I did it for you and your momma, God rest her soul. You’ve got to take on more responsibility, Teddy. I won’t be around forever to take care of you.”
Teddy’s chest constricted. “Don’t talk like that! You’re going to live to a ripe old age, Daddy.”
“I sure hope so, but there are no guarantees.” He smiled and ruffled her hair. “Promise me you’ll be a team player and get along with Leo.”
Teddy put on a bright smile for her father’s sake even though she had no reason to smile. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good. The success of our Riviera is riding on the opening. Just remember that.”
She nodded and swallowed against the knot in her throat from holding back her objections. There was no use in arguing with Daddy, especially on her first night back. She was literally at Guerra’s mercy, financially and professionally. She should have been on the verge of a meltdown, but it wasn’t in her nature to give into histrionics. She’d find a way out of this somehow, but not tonight.
Daddy glanced at the grandfather clock in his study and shook his head. “Lolita said she might run late. It’s already 8:30. She’s been working too many late hours these days,” he grumbled. “Are you hungry, sugar bear? You must be after the long trip.”
Teddy yawned. “I am…and a bit jetlagged. Let’s start without her.” She shrugged. “Lola won’t care if she sees me anyway.”
Daddy shook his head. “Teddy, that is not true. Lolita cares deeply…for both of us. She is very loyal. Don’t ever doubt it,” he said staunchly.
Teddy’s stomach twisted. Some things would never change. She had stopped pointing out The Amoeba’s flaws to Daddy a long time ago. If he had been able to turn a deaf ear to her when she was a grieving, lonely teenager, why would he listen now?
When it came to his precious Lolita’s shortcomings, Daddy was blind as a bat.