Page 61 of Below the Barrel

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 setby 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 thepeace of this moment to wash over me, feeling hopeful about tomorrow and every day after.

TWENTY-THREE

KOA | TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The morning sunhangs high in the sky today, casting a shimmering glow over Teahupo’o, the legendary waves crashing against the reef. The air is electric with excitement and nerves, a familiar tension that thrums in my veins. Maliah and I huddle close to the edge of the beach, our phone set up for a video call with Gabriel.

“Alright, listen up, you two,” Gabriel says, his voice crackling through the speaker. His face fails the screen, Zalea nowhere in sight, and I can see the anticipation in his eyes. “Today those waves are going to be intense, especially on that southwest peak.”

Maliah nods, her big blue eyes focused on Gabriel. “We’re ready for it.”

“Good,” Gabriel continues, glancing down at his notes. “Just remember—commit to your line and don’t overthink it. Trust the wave, and you’ll be fine.”

We both reply with a confident, “Got it,” but inside, I can feel the pressure mounting. Maliah’s been struggling in practice in Tahiti, and the last thing I want is for her to panic out there. She’s an amazingly talented surfer, but the weight of expectation can crush anyone.

The call ends, and as we make our way to the water, I can sense her nerves. I lean over, whispering, “You’ve got this, Mal. Just remember to breathe.”

She offers me a shaky smile, and I can’t help but feel that surge of protectiveness for her. If I could protect her from the world, I would. We make our way into the water, paddling out to the lineup, the ocean’s surface shimmering beneath us. I glance at the southwest peak, the towering wave beckoning with its raw power, but something shifts in the air—a hesitation in Maliah’s movements.

---