The Mafia King's Alluring Affection

Chapter 3 Kidnapped

Springfield, Missouri

"Yeah, I just checked into a hotel," Janet spoke to her aunt on the phone, making sure not to reveal that she was within walking distance of the Genovese casinos.

"Did you speak to your father?"

"No, he isn't taking my calls or answering my messages." She pressed her lips.

"Janet, if you don't get a hold of him, just come back, okay? Do not take any step and land yourself in trouble."

"Yes. I want to speak to him in person. I will only return with him if he agrees."

"Alright, it's already late, so just go to bed and forget about everything. I love you, okay?"

"I love you too. Bye." Looking out of the window, Janet felt a sense of unease as she watched the throngs of people rushing through the streets.

"I have mourned over the loss of one father. I will not suffer the same fate again." Determined to reunite with her father, she made another call to him. "If you don't pick up, I'll do whatever it takes to find you."

Once again, the call remained unanswered.

Janet changed into black leather pants and a white silk shirt, and carefully applied dark makeup to conceal her identity. Putting on a black jacket, she shook out her long, glossy golden hair, letting it flow down to her waist.

She bravely ventured out of her hotel and strolled for several miles before coming to a halt outside the casino. Inhaling deeply, she strode confidently inside, passing by the casino tables on her way to the bar.

"Water, please?" She asked, and the bartender nodded. Biting her lips, she scanned the crowd, taking in the various faces and expressions. Although some men matched the description of the Mafia, she hesitated to approach them.

"Here, madam,"

Turning towards the bar counter, she flashed a friendly smile. "Thanks." Taking a small sip, she scanned the surroundings.

"Looking for someone?" The bartender caught her attention again, and she swivelled her high-rise stool to face him. "Are you new here?"

Hoping to gain some valuable information, Janet flirted back with the young, handsome bartender who was showing interest in her. "Springfield is not new to me. But this is my first social call here. And I'm already liking it." She swayed her body in sync with the music. "What's your name?"

"Dane,"

"Janet," she reached out her hand to him, and he accepted it with a smile.

"For newcomers like you, the Missouri Mule is a must-try. I'll be right back." As he left to get her a drink, Janet observed the man in the black suit, who had an air of mystery about him as he smoked his cigar and kept glancing at his watch. His forbidding appearance and intense hostility made the waiters nervous as he rebuked them.

"Here," Dane appeared with a drink.

"Thanks." As soon as she took a sip of the drink, she was impressed by its bold flavour. "Amazing! Thank you so much."

"I know, right? So, what are your plans for tonight?"

Choking on her drink, Janet felt her eyes water as she looked up at him. "Sorry?"

"Oh, I mean, I can show you around if you like. Don't get me wrong, I just love making friends." He grinned in her direction. "Anyway, I didn't intend to make you feel uncomfortable. Do you like this place? This is the coolest casino in the town."

"In all honesty, I feel a little intimidated by the man sitting on your extreme right." She took a blind shot and prayed it wouldn't ricochet back at her. "I accidentally bumped into him on my way inside and he glared at me with an unmistakable intent to kill." Janet noticed a shift in his expression from playful to serious.