CRASH (A Stone Kings Motorcycle Club Romance) by Daphne Loveling Page B

black hair that was just starting to show gray at the temples. He had a thin mustache and a penchant for expensive suits. The Stone Kings had had a decent working relationship with Lalo and the cartel for a number of years. The truce that was set up by Grey’s dad when he was president was solid, and had held for as long as I had been a Stone King with no major problems.
    The first sign that there might be some tension was that Lalo showed up not just with his men, but with Skull, the president of the Cannibals, in tow. Skull stood in a group of other men who seemed to be all Aztecs. When he saw us arrive his mouth widened in an arrogant smile. He lifted his chin toward Grey in a mocking salute.
    Since Grey had told Lalo that he wanted to talk about the Cannibals, the move to bring Skull was, if not a line in the sand, at least pretty fucking concerning. Luckily, Grey didn’t have much trouble convincing Lalo to leave everyone but himself and three of his officers outside the abandoned depot where we were meeting. Grey, Trig, Moose, and I followed them inside, leaving the other men to stand guard and keep watch on the Aztecs and Skull.
    “What is it you want to talk to me about, Grey?” Lalo asked stiffly. He was wearing a dark pinstriped suit that looked like it cost more than my bike, his hands clasped in front of him.
    Grey frowned and explained the situation. “We may have a problem with the new members of your cartel, Lalo. I came to you because your organization and mine have always had a good professional relationship. Our truce is strong and has been for a long time. I’m sure neither one of us wants to do anything to jeopardize it.”
    Lalo nodded, and his expression became less stony. “Yes, that is true. The trust has been important for both of us for a long time.”
    “How well do you know the new president of the Cannibals?” Grey asked pointedly.
    “Skull? He came to me some months ago, not long after he was named president of the Cannibals,” Lalo replied. “He had a deal that he wanted to renegotiate between us regarding moving arms shipments. He made an offer that was very advantageous to us, and so I accepted.”
    “And you didn’t know him before that?”
    “No,” Lalo answered.
    Grey nodded. “We have reason to believe that the Cannibals are behind two recent attacks on our club. One of them killed a brother. The other one was out in the open, and injured some civilians.”
    “What makes you think it is the Cannibals?” Lalo asked smoothly.
    “There’s no other club who would have any reason to do anything like this.” Grey shook his head. “The first attack happened not long after Skull took over as president of the Cannibals, and I believe not long after their club joined your cartel.” He cocked his head at Lalo. “If it was the Cannibals, their actions would be breaking our truce.”
    “Why would the Cannibals do such a thing? What would they have to gain from it?” His voice was dismissive.
    “You tell me.” Grey crossed his arms. “I know Skull even less well than you. Maybe he’s just crazy, and has no motive at all. But more than likely, he does have one. And if you don’t know what it is, then I suggest you better figure it out. Because if he goes down, he’ll take your cartel down with him.
    Lalo made a noise of impatience. “This is a serious accusation, Grey.”
    “I am not accusing anyone. Yet,” Grey corrected him. “But the men who attacked us were too cowardly to leave a signature. When we find out who they were, we will have to take action. Justice will have to be served. If it is the Cannibals, the question in our minds is gonna be whether the Aztecs knew about it. You know what this could mean.”
    “Are you threatening me, Greyson?” Lalo asked, his expression turning dark, dangerous.
    “I am not threatening you, Lalo.” Grey’s words were frank. “I am telling you as a business associate that your alliance with Skull may threaten something much