Below the Barrel (Saltwater Springs #2)

16. Maliah | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SIXTEEN

MALIAH | RIO DE JANEIRO, brAZIL

I stare at myself in the mirror, fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of my Carnival costume. The vibrant colours were meant to stand out, but I feel almost naked in this outfit, more exposed than I’ve ever been outside of the ocean. My mind flashes back to finding it laying on my bed after my shower, and I wonder when Koa had dropped it off and whether or not he heard me in the shower. My face flushes at the thought, and I quickly push it away, trying to focus on something else.

My eyes drift down to the pink, puffy scar on my hip, just visible above the waistband of my costume. A wave of nostalgia washes over me, pulling me back to the day it happened when I slipped from a tree, the branch ripping into my side as I crashed to the ground.

I wince at the memory of how scared Koa had been, jumping out of the tree with that familiar mix of panic and concern in his voice, trying to joke and calm me down. He’d been my rock back then, always there to help me back up after I fell. Now everything feels different—complicated. I brush my fingers over the scar, a reminder of a simpler time when being around Koa didn’t make my head spin.

With a deep breath, I force myself to shake off the nostalgia.

It’s Carnival, I remind myself. You can do this.

I gather enough courage to open my bedroom door and walk into the living room, only to stop dead in my tracks. Koa is leaning against the edge of the couch, shirtless. My heart races as I take in the sight of him—his bronzed skin glowing under the soft lighting. He’s wearing a beaded necklace that hangs loosely around his neck, and the relaxed carnival themed pants he’s wearing sit low on his hips, emphasizing every chiseled muscle in his torso.

My breath catches in my throat. He looks incredible—too incredible. The pull I feel towards him is immediate and overwhelming, a rush of heat spreading through me like wildfire. I can hardly breathe as I watch him, my body responding to him in ways I can’t control.

“Did they forget the rest of your costume?” I ask, swallowing past the dryness in my throat. My voice comes out weaker than I intended, betraying my attempt at teasing him.

He scoffs, his lips curling into that familiar, cocky grin. “I could ask you the same question.” His eyes roam hungrily over my body, pausing momentarily on my scar before continuing their slow journey downward, sending shivers over my skin.

I shift on my feet, feeling self-conscious under his gaze, even though I shouldn’t be. The way he’s looking at me…it’s as if he’s memorizing every inch, every curve, every flaw. “We should go,” I murmur, fighting the urge to cover myself. “The others are probably waiting for us.”

His gaze lingers on me for a moment before he nods and rises from the couch. As we step out of the penthouse, the tension between us hums in the air, unspoken but undeniable—thick and electric.

The moment we step outside, we’re instantly swarmed by production. Glitter rains down on us from all directions as people rush to make sure we’re covered in it before the cameras start rolling. The energy around us is buzzing with excitement, and I feel it seep into my veins, making my nerves tingle. A producer approaches us, clipboard in hand.

“You two will have your own float to wave to the fans and cameras as you pass,” she says with a smile. “If you’re up for it, you can try to samba on the float, but please make sure you do so safely. Stick together, and don’t accept drinks from anyone, okay?”

I nod, my heart thudding in my chest. The idea of being on a float with Koa in front of thousands of people should feel exhilarating. I should feel proud that we’ll be up there representing Saltwater Springs, but I’m suddenly aware of the weight of his presence beside me, the magnetic pull between us.

Moments later, we’re boarding the bus that’ll take us to the carnival with the others. As I slide into a seat, Koa settles in next to me, his leg brushing against mine. The touch is subtle, but it sends a jolt through me. I start to nervously tap my leg, trying to shake off the nervous energy bubbling inside me.

Without a word, Koa’s hand finds my knee, resting there gently but firmly. His touch instantly grounds me, offering me a comfort I wasn’t expecting. I glance up at him, and he gives me that quiet, knowing look, as if telling me everything’s going to be fine. Somehow that simple act calms me.

The problem with trying to force myself to move on from Koa is I truly don’t think anyone else in this world will understand me the way he does. He just feels right.

When we finally arrive at the carnival, it’s complete chaos. People are everywhere—laughing, dancing, singing in the streets. The music is loud, the lights are blinding, and I’m immediately swept up in the wild energy. The crowd presses in, pushing and pulling in every direction, and panic starts to build in my chest. I lose sight of Koa in the sea of people.

I barely have a second to react before I feel a strong hand wrap around my wrist, tugging me back into safety. I turn and see him, his face intense as he pulls me close to him, his arms wrapping around my waist protectively. The warmth of his body against mine is overwhelming, but I don’t care. I don’t feel scared anymore. His presence shields me from the chaos, making me feel safe and secure and that’s all I want right now.

Koa keeps his arm around me, guiding me through the crowd as if I’m the only thing he’s focused on. Even with the frenzy around us, it feels like we’re in our own bubble, his grip tight and sure. When we finally reach our float with the production team, I glance up at him, breathless and grateful, his eyes meeting mine with a look I can’t quite decipher.

“Alright, let’s get you both onto your float,” the same producer from earlier says as she walks us towards the float. “Remember to be careful up there—it’s going to move slow, but it can be slippery.”

My nerves are buzzing as we’re led towards the float. It’s bigger than I imagined, adorned with vibrant flowers that remind me of Saltwater Springs and glittering decorations, the whole thing swirling with coastal colours. The platform is high up, and a set of steps leads to the top. Koa helps me up first, his hand resting firmly on my back as I steady myself at the top.

The cameras follow our every move, and I can feel the weight of the lenses on us as we take our places. When the float starts to move, it jolts slightly and I instinctively reach for the railing, but Koa’s hand finds mine first, steadying me.

The music starts pumping louder as the float lurches forward, and we’re suddenly moving through the heart of Carnaval. The crowd below cheers and waves, the energy infectious as we wave back, plastering smiles on our faces for the cameras.

The more the float moves, the more the atmosphere starts to loosen me up. The other surfers on their floats are attempting to dance samba—some with more enthusiasm than talent. Laughter ripples through me as I watch their clumsy moves. A few waves of encouragement from the crowd later, Koa gives me a nudge, his eyes bright with mischief.

“We can’t let them have all the fun,” he says with a wink, pulling me closer as the beat of the samba music pounds through the speakers.

“You know I can’t dance.” I laugh, a hint of embarrassment crawling its way up my throat.

“Neither can they,” he says, tilting his head over his shoulder at the others.

We start dancing together, his body moving in sync with mine as the rhythm pounds around us. At first, it’s playful, filled with laughing and teasing, but as the music gets more intense so does our proximity. His hands find my hips, pulling me closer until we’re dancing so tightly together that I can feel every breath he takes, every shift in his muscles. My skin feels like it’s on fire wherever he touches me, and my heart races.

Minutes later, the float eventually reaches the end of the parade route, and we’re ushered off into a private area to watch the rest of the floats pass by. It’s incredible, the lights, the costumes, the sheer creativity of it all. I’m in awe, watching the artistry unfold in front of me. Turning to see if Koa’s just as amazed, I find him already staring at me, his expression intense. His gaze ignites something inside me, a warmth that spreads from my chest down to my toes.

“Do you want to go back to the penthouse instead of heading out with the others after this?” he asks, his voice low, carrying a weight that hints at more than just the question.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak, because I know that if I do, my voice will betray just how badly I want him.

We find the producer from earlier and explain we’d like to head back early. Surprisingly, she agrees. The ride home is quiet—too quiet. The air between us is charged with so much tension that it’s almost suffocating. Every slight movement feels amplified in the small space of the car; every breath I take seems to sync with his. The silence is heavy with everything we’re not saying, everything that’s been building between us.

As soon as we step into the house, Koa doesn’t waste a second. Before the door even fully closes behind us, he pushes me up against the wall, his hands grabbing my waist with a sense of urgency that makes my breath catch. His lips crash into mine, hot and demanding, and I instantly respond, melting into him. My back presses against the wall as he deepens the kiss, one of his hands sliding up my side, the other gripping the back of my neck, keeping me locked against him.

His hardness presses against me, and before I know it, he’s lifting me up effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as I cling to his shoulders for support. I can feel his heart pounding as hard as mine. We’re making out like we can’t get enough of each other, and I don’t want it to stop. He carries me, his lips never leaving mine, as he walks us toward the back door.

“This glitter’s going to be impossible to get off,” he says, pulling back from the kiss. “Want to just jump in the pool to rinse off?”

I see the playful spark in his eyes, and I know it’s more than just a way to get rid of glitter. I bite my lip and nod.

“Yeah,” I say, my voice barely audible as he lowers me to the ground.

I tug at the strings of my costume, letting it fall to the floor. Koa’s gaze immediately darkens, and I can feel his eyes on me—on every inch of my body as I stand there completely naked. My pulse quickens, pounding loudly in my head as heat creeps up my neck, but I don’t break eye contact.

His clothes come off next and I allow myself to admire his body—lean, muscular, toned in a way that makes my breath hitch every time. The pool lights reflecting off the water cast shadows over his skin, and I feel that familiar deep craving for him, stronger than ever.

“Come,” he says, his voice thick, holding out his hand.

I take it, the warmth of his fingers wrapping around mine. We walk toward the edge of the pool, the cool night air doing absolutely nothing to chill the heat radiating inside of me. Our hands stay intertwined as we leap in, water crashing over us, the world disappearing for a moment beneath the surface.

When we emerge, Koa’s already pulling me toward him, his hands slipping around my bare waist, tugging me closer until my body is pressed against his. The water ripples around us, but all I can focus on is him. His lips hovering just above mine, his breath hot against my skin.

He presses his lips into mine, gently at first, and I lose myself in the kiss, in the feel of his body against mine, the water swirling around us. My hands are on his chest, tracing the hard lines of his muscles as his mouth begins to move hungrily against mine, his hands exploring every inch of me too.

If Koa Foster wants me, he’s going to get all of me.

“I want you,” I whisper against his lips, my voice barely a breath, but heavy with desire as I slide a hand down his torso into the water, until I wrap my fingers around his hard length.

He pulls back, his expression tight, conflicted, his jaw clenched as he tries to resist. “Mal, maybe we should talk fir?—”

“I want you, Koa,” I say, shaking my head before pressing my lips to his neck, my words a soft plea against his skin. “I have an IUD…you don’t have to worry.”

I pump his cock once, feeling him shudder beneath my touch. His breathing grows heavier, his eyes searching mine as if he’s trying to find the strength to hold back. But then, something shifts. His resolve snaps, and his hands tighten on my hips, spinning me around and forcing me to grip onto the cool tile of the pool’s edge, as he presses his body against mine until there’s no space left between us. I feel his cock slide between my thighs and my pussy clenches at its nearness.

“Are you sure?” His voice is a low growl, his lips brushing against my ear.

I nod, my grip on the edge of the pool wall tightening in anticipation. “Yes.”

Without hesitation he grips his cock and brings it to my entrance. I spread my legs wider, giving him better access, before he slides in, stretching me to my limit. I let out a breathy moan, feeling him completely fill me before he pauses inside.

“Fuck,” he groans, one hand gripping my breast and the other gently wrapped around my throat as he begins to pull out before slamming back into me.

I gasp on the impact, my eyes shutting from pure bliss. “I forgot how big you are,” I say, breathlessly.

“I missed your tight pussy,” he replies, thrusting into me faster now. The water splashes around us, each movement sending waves rippling outwards, and I feel my entire body respond, melting into him.

Koa groans, the sound vibrating against my skin, and I bite my lip, trying to contain the rush of emotion and pleasure coursing through me. I’ve missed this, feeling him worship me until I’m crying out, his hands roaming over my entire body as if memorizing it in case I disappear. The water splashes against our bodies, but all I can focus on is the sensation of him, the feelings I have for him, the way we move together like we’re the only two people to exist in this world.

Carnival fireworks burst above us, and it feels like a celebration just for us—a sign that everything is right and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

He pulls out of me, and I feel the loss instantly, my heart sinking, but he spins me around so I’m facing him and lifts me up by my thighs so that I’m straddling him. I wrap my arms around his neck before crashing my lips to his.

He re-enters me, more forcefully this time, and I moan into his mouth as he pounds my pussy relentlessly. My head falls back as my mouth falls open and the sound of the fireworks mask the loud moans that escape from me.

“Is this what you wanted, princess?” he asks, watching me with that lust-filled look in his eyes.

I nod, but that’s not good enough.

“Say it,” he commands.

I feel my face heat, feeling shy for some reason.

“Say it,” he repeats, stopping the thrusts all together.

“Don’t stop,” I say in a panic, my eyes widening as I find his.

“Why not?” he asks, a smug smirk playing on his lips as his thrusts begin again, agonizingly slow.

“Because,” I say, my face heating even more.

He watches me, fascinated and amused. “Use your words, Princess. Why don’t you want me to stop?”

“Because I want you to make me come until I can’t even remember my own name,” I say in a rush, pursing my lips as I look away from him, certain I’m crimson.

He lets out a boyish chuckle before slamming into me once, forcing a moan out of me, before he returns to the slow thrusts. “Anyone could make you come until you can’t remember your own name,” he says, moving his head in my line of vision, forcing me to look at him again. “Why do you want me to be the one to do it?”

“I highly doubt every man out there is capable of that,” I say, avoiding the question.

He pauses, the humour slowly fading from his face. “Why me, Mal?”

I stare into his eyes, feeling him twitching inside of me distractingly, a lump forming in my throat as I catch the vulnerability in his gaze. “Because…because I still love you, Koa,” I say, my voice shaking, “and I don’t know how to stop being afraid of all the what-ifs that come with you, but maybe this is a start.”

He looks at me like I’m the most incredible thing he’s ever seen, and it makes my heart skip a beat. His lips curl into that half-smile, and I feel my knees weaken, grateful that he’s holding me up right now.

“I lov?—”

“Don’t,” I say quickly, interrupting him. “Don’t say it. Please. With how things ended, I’m going to need more than just words to believe that, Koa.”

He nods, understanding, before his gaze intensifies, like he’s taking in every part of me, devouring me with his eyes. There’s something about it. Dark and hungry. Like I’m the only thing that matters at this moment. It’s more than just desire. It’s like he’s in awe, as if he can’t believe I’m here in front of him, completely exposed.

“Don’t worry, princess,” he finally says as he starts to move again, pulling out almost completely before slamming into me as deep as he can. “I promise, when I say those words again, you won’t doubt me.”

His eyes meet mine and I see that quiet look of determination in them that makes it hard to breathe. He pounds into me, tipping us over the edge at the same time as the water splashes around us, and I know I’ve never wanted anyone like this before.