Daniel's Piece: Danni To Pieces, #5

By L.T. Varner

Daniel's Piece, is the highly-anticipated follow-up to Deceptive, in the Danni to Pieces series. How does Danni continue after learning the answer to her nightmares? This next book reveals where Danni's life is heading, meanwhile, she and Collin are finding trust is not something either of them hands out or earns easily and James is constantly in the background testing that trust. James refuses to simply walk away from her as he sorts out their past that was full of bad decisions. Danni questions everyone's intentions in her life as she learns to deal with her feelings even if it breaks her time and time again. Daniel is charging ahead in his carefree lifestyle until a fun-size blonde catches his attention and realizes making fun of his older brother for being in love was easy, but now he is learning how hard it is to fall for a hot blonde, even if she kicks you in the nuts. Daniel's Piece reveals more pieces from different perspectives as they all adjust to knowing the truth and picks up right where Deceptive left off.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.T. Varner
• Release date: Jun 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201839628

L.T. Varner

L.T. Varner is an author navigating her way through unknown territory as she writes and does everything that goes along with publishing.  It started as hobby after becoming bored with predictable and typical television and books. It quickly turned into an obsession. With every new hobby comes the learning curve and figuring out your voice and what type of writer you become. L.T. writes about believable stories that are anything but predictable. She prefers to keep you guessing until the very last page. She leans toward romance with suspense sprinkled in. As she says, “I write the movies that play in my head that I would want to watch on television.”

Book preview

Chapter 1 Learning Curve – Daniel

Chapter 2 Boobs – Daniel

Chapter 3 Tell-All’s – Collin

Chapter 4 Bitter Much? – Daniel

Chapter 5 Grrr – Lex

Chapter 6 Small Miracles – Collin

Chapter 7 Didn’t Hurt... Much – Daniel

Chapter 8 Who Knew – Daniel

Chapter 9 Listening – Collin

Chapter 10 Still Drunk Maybe – Daniel

Chapter 11 Sweet Boy Daniel – Danni

Chapter 12 Long Road – Lex

Chapter 13 Sideways – Daniel

Chapter 14 Not Sorry – Collin & Danni

Chapter 15 Not Surprised – Daniel & Danni

Chapter 16 Catching Up – Collin

Chapter 17 That’s New – Lex

Chapter 18 Play to Win – Danni

Chapter 19 How Does He Tie His Shoes? – Collin

Chapter 20 Tattletale – Danni

Chapter 21 Old Times (ish) – Danni

Chapter 22 I Can Tie My Own Shoes, Bitch! – Daniel

Chapter 23 Returns – Lex

Chapter 24 Loopholes – Danni

Chapter 25 Homework Sucks – Daniel

Chapter 26 To the Rescue – Danni

Chapter 27 Woke Up This Morning – Collin

Chapter 28 Wide Awake – Danni

Chapter 29 Warming Up – Collin

Chapter 30 Aim & Fire – Danni

Chapter 31 Extreme Meltdowns – Collin

Chapter 32 Lots of Maybe’s – Danni

Chapter 33 Can’t Say – James

Chapter 34 Fewer Fires – Danni

Chapter 35 Smoke Seen – Daniel & Memphis

Chapter 36 All Clear – Danni, Daniel, & Memphis

Chapter 37 Absofuckinglutely – Danni & James

A Sneak Peak – Memphis

1

Learning Curve

Daniel

I set the pace as I beat my drums to what I think it should sound like. After all, the producer called me in because I am a drum God, and maybe a bit of an ass. I think that is what the hot little producer called me a few minutes ago.

I speed up at the end causing the bass player to turn and glare at me as he adjusts. It’s no secret that he doesn’t like me. The lead singer does just fine and he nods along in sync with the producer. See, Danni has tells and I notice all of them. She is the producer who isn’t supposed to be working right now, but big brother is in L.A. filming a movie he isn’t supposed to be doing either. I knew they couldn’t not work for two years. Idiots!

The bass player unplugs, throws his guitar, and stomps off just like the last two fits he has had in the last two hours. I bang out the appropriate ending as he goes, which makes him stop and look at me. Shit! I stop and put my sticks down and rise from my stool. I know what comes next.

You got a fucking problem with me, asshole? he yells as he walks toward me.

I laugh as I drop my headphones and step out from behind my kit just as Danni gets in between us. Great! I promised Mike I would keep us both out of trouble and that is not going according to plan.

Look, Dylan, she says with her hands on her hips. She is the only one who can find her hips right now, being seven months pregnant and all. Daniel was on to something. I called him in because your drummer quit and we are on a deadline. Have you seen Eric? He yells at me. She sounds like she might cry and the other two band members step up. Suckers! Girl can turn on the tears and get anything she wants lately, and Collin caters to it. Now, these idiots are falling for it, but not me.

Dylan looks up at me and grunts, Fine. I’ll catch you some other time and shove that drum kit up your sarcastic ass.

I laugh as I visualize that. Could be unpleasant, or interesting, depending on how you look at it.

Danni turns to me and smirks, probably thinking the same thing. I glance down at her ample cleavage and step forward and try to touch it. I can’t help it. They are fascinating, as they are usually so small, but now they are huge. She slaps my hand away and points back at the drum kit. I have a tough time focusing when her boobs or her big belly are on display. She goes back to the booth using her walking stick that she won’t let me decorate. It is just a bell, and it could save lives the way she wields that thing sometimes. Collin said if I touch it he will make me be in the delivery room with them. That’s a nightmare in itself. I shake off the thought and get back to work.

A picture containing tableware, fork Description automatically generated

Thanks for the help, asshole! Collin bites out as he throws his bags in the back of his fancy new SUV his lovely wife let me use to pick him up because she didn’t want to. I grin and finish my text to the hot little barista I met this morning. Already fucked her, but she has a twin, and it’s on the bucket list. Just as I fire off the text, he opens my door and glares at me. I roll my eyes and slide out so he can drive. Considering the car company wants him to endorse it I know he will test it, probably by seeing if he can screw his wife in it.

Backseat should be big enough if you lay the seats down, I say, smirking as he drives us toward the exit of the airport.

He looks at me with a huge grin and says, You tried it already, didn’t you?

I shrug as he laughs.

On the interstate home, he asks, How is she feeling?

Tucking my phone away, I reply, Good. The band is a disaster, and I don’t think she or Eric is going to be able to save them.

He nods knowing every little step his wife takes. I might tell him out of fear of the delivery room, and he is milking it. I heard that from Eric earlier. We decided to release them from the contract. I grin, knowing the argument that is going to cause. Danni hates when he interferes with her career. He looks at me and continues, Besides the movie company wants to hire her to produce the music for my movie. Win for us.

I shift in my leather seat and tell him the bad news, Pretty sure Jake is quitting the band. Glancing over I see a hint of a smile on his face. I point at him and say, You know something! What?

He starts laughing and shakes his head and replies, Not my business to repeat. Just know he isn’t leaving the band. Just figuring some things out.

Tell me! I snap at him. What is he figuring out?

We pull up to the gate and wait for it to open. The security guard waves at us, and we drive in. He isn’t going to tell me, especially since his wife is so close.

I’ll figure it out, I insist as he grins and parks in front of his house. He practically jumps out and runs inside. I’ll get your bags, big brother, I remarked to myself.

Mike walks out to me and asks, Want some help?

Yes. Are they even still dressed? I ask curiously.

He laughs and nods his head as he answers, Yes. Our son is also in there eating dinner.

Darn! I love to catch them getting dirty. If they only knew all the pictures I have to embarrass them. I know, I have an odd sense of humor. I look up as Jake steps around me and grabs a couple of bags. What are you doing here? I ask.

He exchanges a glance with Mike and then smiles and replies, Collin wants us to look at the songs Danni had for the other band and see if we want to do something with them. Would you like to get back to work or is fucking every hot barista in Seattle still holding allure for you?

I stand up with a few bags and shrug, I have only scratched the surface of the coffee world, and it would be a shame not to appreciate how awesome it is to make such a damn good cup of coffee. I mean it takes skills.

They both laugh at me while shaking their heads. Yeah, I am a man whore, so they say, but I prefer to be a taster of all the lovely ladies.

In the kitchen, I drop the bags and make a gagging sound. My brother has his tongue down Danni’s throat and she doesn't seem to mind. Traylee stands next to me making the same sound, and I laugh at him. He is my sidekick and if his parents knew all the things I have showed him they probably wouldn’t let me take him anywhere.

Bedtime, Mike says picking up their son and taking him upstairs with Jake following them. Interesting.

Anyway, Danni says, grinning at me with her husband stepping back to take off his coat. She looks back at him and continues, She will be here in the morning, and you can handle it.

His neck is starting to turn red and his anger returns. He looks more serious as he replies after a few moments. Listen, wife. You need a new manager, and I know this sucks, but Gary assured me that you would like her. I can’t like her for you.

Ohhhhh, I stand back as scary Danni has joined the party and she glares at him. This should be fun. They can go from lovey to wanting to kill each other in seconds, but they always look at each other like they want to rip each other’s clothes off.

Collin leans against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest and says, Her name is Lex. She has managed other bands, and she is highly recommended. Gary thinks she will be a great fit for you. Baby, you have to trust someone, and if Gary trusts her, then that’s good enough for me.

I trusted Mark! Look where that fucking got me! she screams at him before stomping outside and slamming the door.

He stays where he is and is quietly counting. I laugh at him and his therapy skills.

He points at me and says angrily, And you stay far away from her because I have interviewed tons of managers for her and this is the only one who I think will be able to handle my wife.

I look at him faking hurt and huff out, I am a wonderful person. Why do you constantly crush my self-esteem? It’s hurtful, and I look up to you... I burst out laughing, not able to even get through my bullshit.

You’re such an idiot! Collin says and he goes to find his wife.

A picture containing tableware, fork Description automatically generated

It’s been three weeks. We pull into New York for an appearance on a late show. Flying wasn’t an option because of fatty who is sitting across from us eating a bag of candy that rests on her belly. She tilts her head while watching me and we grin at each other. We have a bet that big brother doesn’t know about. He is in the bathroom teaching his son to use the toilet. Apparently peeing outside isn’t something they wanted me to show him, but it worked, and now that is all Traylee wants to do. I am an awesome uncle.

We slow down and turn into the underground parking area for the hotel. Mike comes from the back with a few bags and says to Danni, I got his stuff, and we will be in the room and probably go swimming. You should join us.

Ewwwwwwww, I drag out. Nobody wants to see whale over there in a swimsuit. That thing moves, and it’s creepy, I say pointing at her belly.

She laughs as Mike takes the candy and throws it away. Daniel, that thing is your nephew, and it’s not creepy. It’s natural.

It’s trying to break out. See! I yell, still pointing as her belly moves, and she places her hand on the movement.

Mike also touches it and beams at her. This whole baby thing is all they think about, and I just make sure I wear a condom every single time.

Collin drops in the seat next to me and rubs his eyes. He isn’t sleeping much, and it shows. His new movie has us constantly traveling so we can record at the same time, and he won’t leave his family at home anymore. Can’t say as I blame him.

Quietly and without looking at me, he says, If I find one more bag of candy I will break your legs.

I fake shock and say, What? The doctor said no candy. Where is she possibly getting it?

Glancing at me, he replies, You, fuckwit! You left the receipt in the bag, and I know what your signature looks like.

I’ll take that favor now, Danni says as I look over at her. She was right that he would figure it out in less than a day. She stands slowly and steps forward and holds her hand out to me. I groan, frustrated, and reluctantly hand her my phone. Collin sits forward and presses his face to her huge belly and starts talking to it. I get five, right?

Fine. Just not the good ones, I answer, standing and looking over her shoulder at what pictures she is going to delete. She does delete all the ones that show her naked belly. Who knew how awkward sex would look when you are pregnant like her. At least she didn’t tell my brother, or he would take my phone, and I haven’t had a chance to save them yet. See, Danni is a good sport.

I turn around when the bus door opens and yelling starts. Sounds like someone is getting a stern warning, but the voice is like silk with a tinge of a Southern drawl. I fully turn and just stare as the source of the yelling stands in front of me. I am not sure if she is yelling at me. We both look at each other. She is beautiful and short, so I consider her fun size. That’s a bonus in the bedroom, as far as I am concerned, it makes me feel bigger. Don’t judge me. Her long blonde hair is pulled back in a baseball cap. A heart-shaped face, with glowing green eyes, stares back at me, before my eyes land on the ample cleavage. She disconnects a call on her phone, and I notice the earpiece.

Amazing, I quietly say to myself. I step forward, only to be stopped by a hand on my shoulder.

Don’t even think about it, Collin hisses in my ear, as he squeezes the back of my neck painfully and I wince while trying to get out of his grip. She has a boyfriend, so don’t say anything. Just walk away and find a woman at the hotel bar or something, he says, letting go of me and stepping in front of me.

Hey, Lex. Any problems getting here? he asks as they shake hands just as the bedroom door slams shut. I turn and see Danni is gone, and I am betting she doesn’t like her already. Since Mark, she doesn’t trust anyone.

No problem getting here. Plenty of issues here. Cargo van to take you to the show is stuck in traffic, and she still isn’t answering my calls but is sending me some pretty interesting text messages and pictures, Lex answers, sounding all business as I glance over my brother’s shoulder.

Turning to me he holds out his hand and snaps, Give it.

I don’t even argue as I pull Danni’s phone from my pocket and hand it to him. He looks a bit confused as to how easy that was before he turns back to her. That’s my little brother, Daniel. I guess he is the one that sent them. They have a tendency to do things they shouldn’t. I apologize now and forever.

She shrugs, not looking bothered, and replies, No need. I have five brothers and have seen and heard much worse. Putting that aside I will take her phone and reply to the emails and messages. Eric is already on set, so we need to get her there. I have a limo waiting now. They will handle hair and makeup there. I pushed back your dinner until midnight. You should both be done by then. The hotel is making the arrangements as you asked. No one is allowed on the floor without getting by Chuck first. He’s a scary dude.

Collin laughs and answers, Yes, he is. But he has been with Danni for many years, and we all trust him. If he needs anything, I told him to get ahold of you for her and Mike for me. Are you and Mike working together okay?

She nods. Yeah. He is great. He is training me on your schedules and likes and dislikes and warned me about that one. She grins and points her little finger at me.

I step around my brother and grab her hand and say, Don’t believe any of them. They are verbally abusive to me. Especially that one. I motion over my shoulder. I am an angel sent from above just for you cupcake. Just need a cherry on top, and I am pretty sure yours is still intact judging by how bossy you are. A sharp slap to my cheek stops my rambling. Thank God, she stopped me. My brain is a little sketchy right now, and I shake my head. Sorry. I got carried away. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the bossiness. Another damn slap, as I laugh at her.

Collin is laughing hysterically as Mike and Jake make their way out the door with my nephew.

Are you a virgin? That would be amazing... I am cut off again with another slap to my burning cheek.

She leaves, and I watch her ass the whole time. Wow. I groan to myself as an arm goes around my shoulder. Collin leans into me as he laughs.

A little advice, little brother. Say it’s nice to meet you or something. Don’t go straight to their virginity. They don’t like to talk about it.

I shrug and say, Pretty sure my brain is a sketchy bastard right now. I turn to him. Did you see her tits? At least double D’s. I can do a lot with those.

He laughs before he shrugs and whispers, They are pretty awesome, and I will be curious if you ever get to do anything with them. But if she quits I will kick your ass. Mike likes her, and I think she is organized and Gary highly recommended her. Danni doesn't like her yet, but she will. I have a plan. Don’t fuck it up.

I laugh at the idea of a plan. He always has a plan, and it usually works, but I don’t think Danni is going to like anyone for a while. There is a reason the media stays ten feet away from her. She scares quite a few people, just not me.

A picture containing tableware, fork Description automatically generated

We are taken to the show and perform followed up with a performance. This is Collin’s debut for our new song that he wrote about his wife. They are using it in his movie, and we are here to promote it. Rick and Jake are happy to be back to work, and I am too. I just can’t stop thinking about the fun-size blonde.

It’s almost ten when we reach the soundstage to pick up Danni and Mike. She doesn’t go anywhere without him since the shooting. I am the first one out of the van and head inside looking for my intended target.

Collin walks next to me and is talking on his phone to Billy about blocking a news piece someone is trying to run on Danni. We all walk up to the group of people watching the stage. They are using a fake recording session to film pieces for an upcoming movie Danni and Eric have been working on. They are being featured in it playing themselves. They have done very well for themselves in the music world. Good thing we all bought in and started our own company with a label. No surprise, Collin and Billy run it.

I nod along to the song I have heard a hundred times in the last month, as Danni sings with Eric who is playing guitar next to her. Collin has his phone out recording them, grinning like an idiot.

I finally spot fun-size by the dressing room door. She is watching Danni too. Pushing back slowly so big brother doesn’t notice, I make my way over to where she stands. Glancing up at me, she rolls her eyes and turns her focus back on the scene.

Hi. I am sorry I came across as an asshole. I have no filter when it comes to beautiful women, or so I have been told, I say, leaning close to her. She smells like wildflowers which makes my head go fuzzy again.

Without looking at me, she responds, I have heard that. Maybe you shouldn’t talk to women without a chaperone.

Maybe, I laugh and say, or you could just tell me how you would like me to talk to you. I can be all bossy and dirty. I bet you would like that. I am cut off with a knee to my nuts. As I sink down on my knees, she storms off. Fuck, I groan to myself holding my nuts, trying to stop the agony I feel. She might be small, but she is strong.

A hand lands on my shoulder while I am on all fours on the cement floor in misery. You just don’t learn, Mike says leaning down next to me with a smile on his face. Jake is behind him laughing hysterically. Come on, Romeo. Let’s get you back to the hotel before you encourage Danni to kick her ass.

I can’t help but smile at that image. Pregnant or not, Danni will always be the first to defend me. We all look up when we hear Collin yelling and see him blocking Danni’s path toward the direction Lex just went.

Dammit! Mike says as Jake helps me up. I swear my nuts have a heartbeat and I groan slightly bent over. Take him back, and I will meet you in a little bit.

Will do, Jake says as he ushers me toward the exit. I can hear Danni and Collin screaming at each other. She defends me and he defends Lex. I feel a little guilty knowing I ruined the romantic surprise he had for her. She will be pissed for the rest of the night.

A rough hour later I sit in the oversize chair with a bag of ice on my nuts, drinking a beer, when my brother finally arrives. He looks irritated and tired. He grabs a beer and sits down across from me and takes a long drink.

Sorry, I mumble before finishing my beer.

Don’t worry about it. I think Lex punished you enough for all of us. You okay? he asks, concerned.

I nod and throw the ice on the table. Danni good?

He nods, Yep. I left her in a hot bath so she could relax. She has been difficult the last couple of days and tonight just finished setting her off. She finally yelled at me and had a good cry. I think she needed it. Mike is with her and refused to leave.

All of you need to quit blaming yourselves for what Mark did. None of us knew or suspected him. He’s getting what he deserves by sitting in prison for the rest of his life. Focus on your kids.

Looking at me he says, You high or something?

I laugh and stand to get another beer. No, asshole. Just... irritated.

He stands and motions me to sit back down, and he goes and grabs us each another beer. Handing one to me he says, Can I ask you something? I nod he can and throw my cap aside. He sits back down and asks, You are usually pretty smooth when it comes to women, but with Lex... you just came across as an asshole. That is new for you. Like you wanted her to hate you or something.

I chug my beer and hate how he can read me so well. I need a minute to think.

He goes and gets the case of beer and sits it on the coffee table in between us and hands me another.

I gladly take it and say, Let me ask you a question. With Danni, are the other women just background noise and it’s almost like you just don’t see anyone else?

He grins and takes another drink as I do. He nods, Yes. What I notice about other women is when they have a similar feature to my wife. She is always at the front of my brain. My heart beats faster and my hands itch to touch her. She has been right there since I first saw her. It never goes away, even after all the bullshit we have put each other through. When I see her, it’s always like the first time, and it steals my breath and makes me thankful.

I want Lex gone. Fire her, or I quit the band and will do something else. I won’t be around her, I say angrily as I stand and go to the bedroom and slam the door.

I feel sick as I lean back against the door and run my hands over my face. I want to see her as much as I don’t. I want to scream at her about what a bitch she was as much as I want to hold her down and kiss every inch of that fun-size little body of hers.

What the fuck is wrong with me? Women are fun to fuck, but nothing more! I won’t let one little beauty change who I am. No fucking way!

2

Boobs

Daniel

Grinning at me Danni slowly slides the shot glass toward me with an unspoken dare. Ewwww is the only thing that comes to mind.

You do realize what I plan on doing in your fancy new SUV... she says in a devilish tone.

Oh, hell no! She is not going to screw my brother in my car! He didn’t like the SUV the car company was pushing on them, so I took it and the endorsement deal. Speaking of my brother, he enters the kitchen with their newest little sex trophy snuggled against his chest fresh from the bath.

He stops and looks at the shot glass and then shoots Danni a look. Do I want to know what you two are up to?

She laughs and looks up at him, Probably not.

He doesn’t look amused as their son starts to fuss and wiggle around. After rolling his eyes he carefully hands over the baby to Danni. Feed our kid and I will sort this out. Danni grins and starts to pull her shirt up and he stops her. In private please.

After an evil glare, Danni finally leaves with their son and my brother sits down across from me. He grins and says, What is the bet?

I pick up the shot glass and examine the cloudy white liquid as his grin grows wider. I taste this and I get to be her date to the award show next month.

And if you lose? Collin asks crossing his arms over his chest.

I set the glass down completely repulsed at the idea of breast milk. I sigh and answer, She gets my ride for an entire day.

He laughs loud and claps completely amused before he says, Awesome!

I give up and just can’t do it. I stand and toss my keys at him and say, Have fun.

He catches them and keeps laughing as Mike walks in looking like he just got back from a run.

I head upstairs as they continue to laugh at me. Jerks! I find Danni and the newest edition to the family, Dexlee, on her bed with her boobs out as she feeds him.

Flopping down on the bed I groan, Maybe it would be better from the tap.

She laughs as Collin lands on top of me and says, Don’t even think about it.

Sweet Daniel, you surprise me. I thought you would do it, she says, switching Dexlee from one boob to the next. Lucky kid!

I wrestle my brother and reply, I am not out yet. I want to try it from the boob.

Landing on the ground with my brother on top of me he quickly