Below the Barrel (Saltwater Springs #2)

22. Maliah | Tahiti, French Polynesia

TWENTY-TWO

MALIAH | TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The sun is bright as it peeks through the curtains of our villa, bathing the room in a warm golden light. I stretch out, the cozy blankets slipping off my shoulders, and take a moment to soak in the quiet before the day starts. I glance to my left and notice Koa isn’t next to me. We’ve shared a bed every night since Rio, and he’s always been there fast asleep when I wake up.

I shrug, guessing he probably went out for an early practice before our excursion. Today’s the snorkelling and lunch trip, and I feel all the excitement rush to my chest. I love snorkelling, ever since seeing the whales in Ningaloo Reef, Australia.

After a quick shower and small breakfast, I throw on my favourite swimsuit, a vibrant blue bikini that compliments my skin tone, and a breezy cover-up. I grab my bag and head out, the salty breeze tousling my hair as I make my way to the boat dock. The laughter and chatter of the other surfers fills the air as they gather, anticipation buzzing like electricity.

Koa stands among the group, looking effortlessly handsome as always. He’s wearing a loose knit polo and board shorts, and my heart does that familiar flutter when his grey eyes catch mine. His tanned skin glows in the sunlight, and I can’t help but admire how at ease he seems.

“Hey, beautiful,” he calls out as I approach, and I feel a rush of warmth spread through me.

“Hey,” I reply, trying to sound casual, but my heart races.

As we board the boat, the excitement intensifies. The crew goes over the safety rules, but I barely register their words as my eyes wander back to Koa. The boat rocks gently on the waves, and I lean against the railing, the ocean stretching out before me like a vast canvas.

The boat ride isn’t long before we arrive at our destination—a secluded cove surrounded by lush greenery. The water sparkles under the sun, inviting us in like a cool oasis. Koa grabs my hand, pulling me towards the edge of the boat.

“Ready to dive in?” he asks, his voice laced with enthusiasm.

I nod, my nerves mingling with excitement. “Let’s do it.”

We throw on our gear and jump off the side of the boat together, the cool water enveloping me like a refreshing blanket. I resurface, spluttering and laughing as I push my hair back. Koa swims close, and I can see the mischief in his eyes.

“Race you to the coral,” he challenges, and before I can respond, he’s off, cutting through the water with powerful strokes.

“Hey, no fair!” I shout after him, my competitive spirit igniting. I kick my legs and dive after him, my laughter echoing through the water.

The underwater world is breathtaking—colourful fish darting around, vibrant corals swaying gently with the current. I lose myself in the beauty, following Koa as we explore the hidden treasures beneath the waves.

After some time, we resurface, our lungs burning from the exhilaration. I glance over at him, and he grins back, the sunlight glinting off the droplets of water clinging to his hair and skin. We swim around, diving back under to investigate the coral formations. Koa takes my hand, guiding me deeper into the water. The fish swim around us, unbothered by our presence, and I can’t help but feel like we’ve entered a whole other world.

Finally, we make our way back to the surface, breaking through the water at the same time. We float on our backs, staring up at the blue sky above us.

“This feels incredible,” I murmur, letting the gentle waves rock me.

Koa turns his head to me, his expression serious. “You’d love Hawaii.”

I glance at him from the corner of my eye before returning my attention to the sky. “You really miss it, huh?”

I hear him release a breathy chuckle. “More than you know.”

I swallow hard, feeling sad for him. He hasn’t seen his family since he was seventeen, I can only imagine how hard that must be. I’m not the closest with my father but I at least see him every few years. I can’t imagine what it must feel like for Koa, going so long without being back home.

“Hawaii is our last stop on this trip,” I say, turning to look at him now. “Are you planning to visit your family when we’re there?”

He smiles to himself. “Hell yeah,” he says, his face bright. “I’d love it if you’d come with me too. I want you to meet my mom.”

The weight of his words nearly drowns me as I quickly reposition so that I’m treading water instead. Meeting his mom…that means something, doesn’t it?

“Your mom?” I ask, unable to hide the hesitation in my voice.

“Yeah,” he says, letting his feet drop into the water so that he’s treading too. “I think you’d like her.”

I want to say no. I’ve never met anyone’s mother before, not someone I’m interested in. What if she hates me and convinces him to end what we have? I’d lose him again, and I don’t know if I could recover from this one.

He must sense my inner panic because he paddles over and cups my cheeks, forcing me to look into his eyes.

“I already know she’s going to love you,” he says, reassuringly. “So, will you come with me?”

I let out a shaky breath, knowing this would mean a lot to him. Instead of saying no like I want to, I find myself nodding slowly instead.

I watch as the widest grin spreads across his face in return, causing my heart to flutter. We paddle back towards the boat and climb back on board. Laughter echoes around the deck as everyone shares their favourite moments from their snorkelling experience.

Just before lunch, Koa pulls me aside, a playful glint in his eyes. “I have something for you,” he says, his voice low and teasing.

“What is it?” I ask, curiosity piquing as he gestures for me to follow him away from the group.

He leads me to the edge of the boat, where the water glimmers below us. In one fluid motion, he reaches into his bag and pulls out a small, elegantly wrapped box. My breath catches in my throat as he hands it to me.

I can’t help my brain from thinking back to the day he broke up with me, the day I thought I’d be getting proposed to. I quickly shake the reminder out of my mind and stare down at it.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I protest, suddenly feeling nervous as I unwrap it. I gasp as I open it and find the pearl necklace and earrings I had been admiring at the market yesterday, their iridescent beauty mesmerizing.

“I went back this morning while you were sleeping,” he explains, his expression earnest. “I wanted you to have them.”

So that’s where he was when I woke up .

“This must have cost a fortune,” I say, trying to push the box back towards him. “I can’t accept this.”

He shakes his head, his jaw set with determination. “You deserve it. You’re worth every penny.”

Koa’s words warm me from the inside out, but the weight of the gift feels heavy in my hands. “I really appreciate it, but?—”

“No buts,” he interrupts, taking my hands in his. “You can just say thank you.”

I look into his eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity, but all I see is affection. Taking a deep breath, I decide to surrender to the moment.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my heart swelling.

Without thinking, I lean in and press a soft kiss to his lips, feeling the warmth of his smile as he kisses me back, a gentle spark igniting between us. It feels right, natural.

“Now, let’s go eat,” he says, grinning widely, and I can’t help but smile back.

We return to where the others are gathering for lunch, the delicious aroma of freshly prepared food wafting through the air. The tables are set with an array of colourful dishes—fresh fish, tropical fruits, and a spread of local delicacies. Wine flows freely as everyone settles in, sharing stories and laughter.

Koa pours us each a glass, the crisp white wine sparkling in the sun. As we eat and drink, I lose myself in the moment, surrounded by friends and the beauty of Tahiti.

The sun has set by the time we return to the villa and I’m still riding high from our amazing day, but there’s something else building inside me. A desire to do something special for Koa after his sweet gesture with the pearls.

I watch as he climbs into bed after his shower, his hair still wet as it glistens in the dim room light. I pad into the bathroom after him, stripping off my clothes and taking a quick shower, careful not to wet my hair as I feel a thrill run through me.

I dry myself off and walk over to the mirror, my bare body reflected back at me. The box holding the pearls sits on the edge of the sink and I slide it over, opening it and removing the necklace. I put it on, followed by the earrings. They glimmer against my skin, making me feel beautiful and powerful.

I walk over to the door, gently opening it and leaning against the frame in the most seductive pose I can manage, my heart racing. Koa is sprawled on the bed, his gaze locked on me, a mix of surprise and awe crossing his face.

“Wow,” he breathes, his voice low and gravelly.

I soak in his reaction, revelling in the way his eyes widen, drinking me in. “What do you think?” I ask playfully, running the tips of my fingers along the necklace as I push off the door frame and walk towards him.

He doesn’t answer right away, just stares, completely mesmerized. I strut over to him, swaying my hips, knowing how much he loves when I take control. The distance between us feels electric, the air thick with tension.

As I kneel before him, his breath hitches, and I can see the heat pooling in his gaze. I lean in, giving him a teasing smile before I slowly pull his boxers down and wrap my hand around him, feeling him harden beneath my touch.

Koa’s hand finds my hair as I take him into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the tip, then taking him deeper, savouring the taste of him. I can hear the soft gasps escaping his lips, the way he bites back a groan, and it fuels my desire even more.

I work him slowly, feeling the way his body responds to every movement, every flick of my tongue. I pull back for a moment, looking up at him with a sultry smile, and then dive back down, letting myself get lost in the rhythm.

“Mal,” he murmurs, his voice thick with need.

I pick up the pace, relishing the way his muscles tense and the pleasure radiating from him. I can feel him inching closer, teetering on the edge, and it’s exhilarating to know that I’m the one bringing him there.

With each deliberate movement, I watch his face transform, and the tension builds. I can tell he’s about to come so I take him as far as I can, his cock deep in my throat when he does, sending waves of heat coursing through me. His groan is guttural as I feel the warm liquid pouring into me. When he’s finished, I pull away, swallowing any remaining come in my mouth, breathless and satisfied, looking up at him with a smirk.

Koa leans back on his elbows, running a hand through his hair, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “That was the best blowjob of my entire fucking life, princess,” he says, his eyes dark and hungry as he looks at me, and I can’t help but smile wider.

I sit back on my heels, feeling a sense of triumph wash over me, but also a warmth. Koa’s gaze locks onto mine and everything fades away.

“You’re incredible,” he finally murmurs, his voice low and filled with awe, sending a thrill through me.

I lean forward, brushing my lips against his, savouring the taste of him, the connection that feels deeper than ever. “I just wanted to thank you for the pearls,” I whisper playfully, a smile tugging at my lips.

“Consider me thoroughly thanked.” He grins back, a playful glint in his eyes.

He pulls my bare body against his and I snuggle against him, feeling the warmth radiating from his body and the soft, rhythmic sound of his breathing. I close my eyes, allowing the peace of this moment to wash over me, feeling hopeful about tomorrow and every day after.