#aurelien x zuri

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (8/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, angst, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @bbgkoo @lottins-only @pepfectionary

A/N: Please let me know if you want to be removed from the tag list Thank you again for your love and appreciation!

Aurélien sat in his living room in Madrid, the familiar hum of clippers buzzing as his barber worked carefully on his taper fade. The sharp scent of aftershave filled the air, and he leaned back, trying to ease the tension that had been building since his father’s call. His foot, still recovering from the sprain, rested on an ottoman. It was healing, but the slow process frustrated him.

Zuri’s dad, meanwhile, still hadn’t returned her calls. Days had passed, and Aurélien could see the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. Her father had always been tough, but this silence? It felt like a new low.

His barber finished up, brushing off the stray hairs before stepping back to admire his work. "Looking fresh, my guy," he said with a grin, handing Aurélien a mirror.

Aurélien checked out the cut, nodding his approval. "Appreciate it, bro. Always on point."

As the barber packed up his tools, the smell of Zuri’s cooking started wafting through the house, drawing him toward the kitchen. He limped over, leaning against the counter to watch her work. She moved with a natural rhythm, dicing vegetables with ease. The scent of fried plantains and chicken filled the space, reminding him of the comforting meals his mother often cooked.

"What’s on the menu today, chef?" Aurélien asked, half-teasing, though genuinely curious.

Zuri glanced over her shoulder, smiling softly. "Poulet DG. One of my mom's quick meals—chicken, veggies, and fried plantains. Easy and satisfying."

Aurélien chuckled. "You know how much I love plantains.”

"You better behave, or I’ll eat it all myself," Zuri joked, stirring the pot.

He watched her for a moment, then stepped closer, his voice soft. “How you holding up? Your dad still hasn’t called back.”

Zuri sighed, her hand pausing on the spoon. “Yeah. It’s exhausting, waiting for him to get over himself.”

Aurélien wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Together. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Zuri leaned into him briefly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. “I know. Thanks, Aurél.”

"Need any help in here?" he asked, though they both knew he was a disaster in the kitchen.

Zuri laughed softly, shaking her head. “You can help by staying right where you are and letting me work.”

Aurélien raised his hands in surrender, stepping back to lean against the counter again, content to watch her. “Fine. But if I burn anything next time, it’s on you for not teaching me.”

Zuri snorted. “Trust me, I’m doing us both a favor by keeping you away from the stove.”

As the smell of the food intensified, Aurélien couldn't help but appreciate the moment—the calm before any potential storms. Zuri was here, cooking in their space, and despite everything with her dad, they had this. And that was something worth savoring.

"So, what do you think?" Zuri asked, glancing over at him. "Think your mom would approve of my cooking?"

Aurélien grinned, shaking his head. "Oh, she’s gonna love you even more. Especially with this dish." He paused for a beat, then added, "Speaking of which, she called earlier. Said she and Dad want to have dinner with us soon."

Zuri raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "That sounds serious."

"Nothing we can’t handle," he said, his voice low and confident. "But maybe don’t tell them I almost set the kitchen on fire last time I helped you cook.”

Zuri laughed, the sound light and easy, setting the finished plate down in front of him. "Don’t worry, that’s our little secret."

He reached out to pull her closer by the waist, his eyes warm as he looked up at her. "It better be."

Zuri leaned in, brushing a kiss to his lips. "You’re a mess."

"Your mess, bébé," Aurélien murmured against her lips, his hand resting at the small of her back. He savored the moment before pulling back, eyes glancing down at the plate she’d set in front of him. “Now, let me taste this masterpiece.”

Zuri laughed, handing him a fork. “Masterpiece might be a stretch. But I’m proud of it.”

Aurélien dug in, taking a bite of the sautéed chicken and plantains. His eyes widened, and he nodded in appreciation. “Damn, Zuri. This is really good.”

“Better than your UberEats orders?” she teased, leaning against the counter as she watched him eat.

Aurélien’s grin turned mischievous as he finished chewing, his gaze flicking up to meet Zuri’s. “Way better. You’re gonna spoil me at this rate," he said, then added in a low voice, "But don’t worry, I’ll find ways to return the favor. Just like I did in Paris.”

Zuri raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smirk as she leaned against the counter. “Oh, is that so? You mean how you couldn’t keep your hands off me all weekend?”

“Exactly.” Aurélien’s eyes darkened with desire as he set down his fork, leaning back in his chair. “You know you started something, right? Ever since that weekend, I’ve been counting the days until I could have you like that again. Paris changed everything.”

Zuri’s breath caught as she remembered that weekend—how they’d explored the city by day, but as soon as the sun set, the rest of the world faded away. The way Aurélien had looked at her like he couldn’t get enough, like each touch only made him crave her more.

“Changed everything?” she asked, her voice softening, though her heartbeat quickened as his words settled in.

He stood up slowly, his foot still tender but his hunger for her more apparent than ever as he walked toward her. “Yeah. Now I can’t stop thinking about how good you feel, how perfect you are.” His hands found her waist, pulling her gently against him as he murmured into her ear, “Every time I look at you, all I want to do is have you, Zuri. Like in Paris, like every damn night since.”

Zuri’s pulse raced, and she bit her lip, trying to keep her cool, but the heat in his gaze was undeniable. “Is that right?” she asked, her tone teasing but her body already responding to the closeness between them. “You can’t get enough of me, huh?”

Aurélien’s hands slid down her sides, squeezing her hips as he leaned in, his lips grazing her neck. “Not even close. Paris was just the beginning.”

The weekend had started with stolen glances and innocent touches, but by the end, it was clear—they’d crossed a line neither of them wanted to go back from. Late nights in their hotel room, tangled in sheets, every moment only intensifying the connection between them.

Zuri laughed softly, her hands running up his chest. “You’ve been insatiable ever since,” she teased, but her voice was breathy, her body remembering how he had taken his time with her, learning every inch of her.

He kissed the side of her neck, his voice low and husky. “You bring it out of me. I’m not gonna apologize for that.”

Zuri shivered, her fingers curling into his shirt. "Good, because I don’t want you to.”

Aurélien’s hands roamed down her back, fingers slipping beneath the hem of her shorts. His touch was warm, deliberate, and full of promise. Zuri’s breath hitched when his hands found her ass, squeezing firmly as he pulled her closer to him. "Maybe I should get a little taste of dessert," he murmured against her ear, his lips barely brushing her skin.

Zuri’s heart raced at his words, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Greedy,” she shot back, her voice breathy as his hands slid further down.

His chuckle was low, vibrating against her neck as his fingertips teased the waistband of her shorts. “Can you blame me?” he whispered, his voice rough with desire. “Especially when you walk around like this, knowing what it does to me.”

Before she could respond, Aurélien lifted her effortlessly, setting her down on the kitchen counter. The cool marble beneath her thighs made her shiver, contrasting sharply with the heat between them. He spread her legs with ease, positioning himself between them as his hands gripped her hips.

“You know I can’t resist you in these tiny shorts,” he murmured, his eyes dark as he slowly peeled them down, revealing the edge of her lace underwear.

Zuri felt the tension rise between them as Aurélien’s gaze raked over her body. “You wear this just to torture me,” he continued, his voice playful, but there was an edge to it—something darker, more primal.

“Maybe I did,” she whispered, her breath catching when his fingers traced the edge of her panties.

Aurélien smirked, his fingers now gliding over the fabric, brushing her inner thighs. “Is that so?” His voice was low, rough, as he leaned forward, kissing her slowly, teasingly. But he didn’t linger long on her lips. Instead, he pulled back, his hands slipping under her shirt, fingertips grazing her skin.

He lifted her shirt just enough to reveal her bra, his eyes flicking up to meet hers as he pushed the fabric aside, exposing her pierced nipples. His gaze darkened, a low groan escaping his throat as his thumb brushed over the cool metal. “These piercings… they drive me crazy,” he said, his voice thick with lust. “You know that, right?”

Zuri bit her lip, her chest rising and falling with anticipation. “You’ve mentioned it a few times,” she teased, her voice wavering as his thumb circled one of her nipples, the combination of his touch and the piercing sending a sharp jolt of pleasure through her body.

“Can’t get enough of them,” he murmured, dipping his head down, his mouth closing over her nipple, tugging lightly on the barbell with his teeth. The sensation was electric, and Zuri arched her back, her hands tangling in his hair as he lavished attention on her sensitive skin.

His other hand slid beneath her panties, fingers slipping between her folds, finding her already wet and ready for him. Aurélien groaned against her breast, his fingers moving slowly, teasingly, as his thumb pressed against her clit in slow circles. "You’re soaked for me, ma belle," he whispered against her skin, his voice hoarse.

Zuri moaned softly, her hips bucking toward his hand, but Aurélien kept his movements slow, torturous. "Patience, ZuZu."

His mouth traveled from one pierced nipple to the other, his tongue flicking over the metal and sending waves of pleasure coursing through her. At the same time, his fingers moved deeper inside her, curling in just the right spot that made her toes curl.

Zuri’s breath was coming in short, ragged gasps as her body responded to his every touch. "Aurélien," she gasped, her hands gripping the counter behind her for support. "I need you…"

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his fingers still working their magic between her legs. “Tell me what you need,” he said, his voice dark and commanding. “I want to hear you say it.”

Her head fell back as pleasure coiled tightly in her core, her body teetering on the edge. “I need you… faster,” she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with desperation.

Aurélien’s eyes lit up with satisfaction, a wicked smile tugging at his lips. “That’s all you had to say.” His fingers moved faster, his thumb pressing harder against her clit as he kissed her again, this time deeper, more urgent.

Zuri’s body trembled, her orgasm building as Aurélien’s fingers pushed her closer to the edge. His mouth returned to her nipples, sucking and teasing, and it was too much—her body tensed, and with one final stroke of his fingers, she came hard, crying out his name as waves of pleasure crashed over her.

Aurélien didn’t stop, his fingers still moving, drawing out her release as she trembled beneath him. When she finally came down from her high, he kissed her softly, his hands gently stroking her thighs as she caught her breath.

“How’s that for a little taste of dessert?” he teased, his lips brushing hers in a soft, lingering kiss.

Zuri laughed breathlessly, still tingling from his touch. “You’re impossible.”

He grinned, his eyes full of mischief. “And you love it.”

There was a sudden, sharp knock on the front door. Zuri and Aurélien froze for a moment, both of them still caught in the haze of their recent passion. A second knock came, louder this time, followed by a heavy banging that rattled the frame.

"What the…?" Zuri muttered, straightening herself on the counter. Aurélien raised an eyebrow, his hands still resting on her thighs as he glanced toward the door.

"Probably one of the guys," Aurélien shrugged casually, though his brow furrowed slightly at the intensity of the banging. "They've been wanting to check in, see how things are going since we got back from Paris."

Zuri nodded, quickly pulling her shorts back on and adjusting her shirt. She made sure her nipple piercings were covered, still feeling the warmth from Aurélien's mouth lingering on her skin. "I'll go fix myself up a bit," she said, smoothing her hair before she turned to head down the hallway.

"Yeah, better look somewhat decent if it's them," Aurélien smirked, giving her a quick wink as he stepped over to the sink to wash his hands, the water running as he scrubbed away the remnants of their intimate moment.

He limped slightly as he walked toward the door, his body still relaxed from what they'd just shared. His fingers tightened around the doorknob, twisting it open with a slight wince. He expected to see Hugo or Manuel on the other side, maybe even Julio, with some lighthearted banter.

But instead, standing there was Zuri's father, Ernest Awanto Nchang.

Aurélien blinked, his hand still gripping the doorknob, his expression quickly shifting from casual to guarded. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and he instinctively straightened up, despite the slight limp in his leg.

"Monsieur Awanto Nchang?" Aurélien asked, bewildered. "Que faites-vous ici?" ("What are you doing here?")

Ernest's face was unreadable, but there was a coldness in his eyes that made Aurélien's stomach knot up. He had always felt tension with Zuri's father, but this… this was different.

"Je suis ici pour emmener Zuri," Ernest said bluntly, his voice hard as steel. ("I'm here to take Zuri.")

Aurélien's confusion deepened, his eyes narrowing as he tried to understand what was going on. "L'emmener? Que voulez-vous dire?" ("Take her? What do you mean?") His hand tightened slightly on the door, instinctively protective.

Before Ernest could respond, Zuri appeared at the end of the hallway, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of her father standing in the doorway.

"Papa?" she said, her voice filled with surprise and concern. She quickly walked over, glancing between Aurélien and Ernest. "What's going on?"

Ernest's gaze shifted from Aurélien to Zuri, his expression softening just a bit as he looked at his daughter, but the tension remained. "It's time to come home, Zuri. Enough of this arrangement." His words were clipped, authoritative, as if he had already made the decision for her.

Zuri's face fell, confusion and frustration warring in her expression. She hadn't expected this.

Aurélien, still standing in the doorway, felt his pulse quicken. His protective instincts kicked in, and his hand gently reached out to rest on the small of Zuri's back, offering silent support. "Mr. Awanto Nchang, with all due respect, Zuri's staying here."

Ernest's eyes flickered toward Aurélien's hand, and then back to his face, his expression darkening. "This isn't about you, Aurélien. This is about what's best for my daughter."

Aurélien's jaw clenched, his frustration mounting. "Monsieur, notre fiançailles est finale," he said, his voice tight with barely controlled anger. "Elle a été bénie par les anciens et nos familles." ("Sir, our engagement is final. It has been blessed by the elders and our families.")

Ernest's eyes flashed dangerously. "Jusqu'à ce que Zuri soit mariée avec toi, j'ai le droit de rompre cet arrangement. Ce que je fais maintenant." ("Until Zuri is married to you, I have the right to break this arrangement. Which I am doing now.")

Zuri, who had been following the exchange with growing alarm, suddenly burst out, "Are you fucking kidding me? Papa, are you really doing all this crazy shit?"

Ernest's face contorted with rage. He raised his hand, moving it towards Zuri's face in a threatening gesture. "How dare you speak to me like that—"

In an instant, Aurélien stepped between them, his body a solid wall protecting Zuri. His eyes blazed with fury as he stared down Ernest. "Don't you dare touch her," he growled, his accent thickening with emotion. "Step away now, or I'll call the police. You're on my property, uninvited and unwelcome."

Ernest's nostrils flared, his hand still raised. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Just then, the sound of car doors slamming broke through the standoff. Aurélien's friends - Hugo, Manuel, and Julio - were approaching, their expressions shifting from casual to concerned as they took in the scene before them.

Seeing he was now outnumbered, Ernest lowered his hand slowly, his eyes never leaving Aurélien's face. "This isn't over," he spat. "I'll be back for Zuri. You can't keep her from her family."

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed away, brushing past the bewildered group of friends.

Aurélien's body remained tense, his arm still protectively around Zuri as they watched Ernest drive away. He turned to her, his eyes softening with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, his thumb brushing away a tear she hadn't realized had fallen.

Zuri nodded, her body trembling slightly as the adrenaline began to ebb. "I can't believe he… I never thought he'd…"

"Shh," Aurélien soothed, pulling her close. "It's okay."

As Hugo, Manuel, and Julio approached, their faces etched with worry and confusion, Aurélien knew that this was far from over. But as he held Zuri in his arms, feeling her heartbeat against his chest, he made a silent vow. No matter what came next, he would protect her. Their love, their engagement, their future - he would fight for it all.

Zuri found herself perched on the edge of her bed, the muffled sounds of male laughter and the soft clack of pool balls drifting up from the basement. She stared at her phone, her father's unexpected visit replaying in her mind like a bad movie on loop.

The audacity of it all made her head spin. Her father had flown all the way from New York City to Madrid on some misguided rescue mission. The same man who, just a week ago, had coldly informed her she no longer had a home in NYC. The irony wasn't lost on her.

"He's lost his damn mind," Zuri muttered to herself, her fingers hovering over her mother's contact. With a deep breath, she hit the call button.

Her mother answered on the third ring, her voice a mixture of concern and fatigue. "Zuri? Are you alright?"

"Mom, you've got to talk some sense into Papa," Zuri said, cutting straight to the chase. "He showed up here, and tried to drag me back to New York. It's insane."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, filled only by her mother's soft sigh. "Your father is... concerned, Zuri. He says Aurélien is hurting you."

Zuri's eyes widened in disbelief. "Hurting me? Mom, that's ridiculous. The only thing Aurélien's hurting is my—" She bit her tongue, the words 'vagina' dying on her lips. That's neither here nor there, she thought, shaking her head. "Look, Mom," Zuri continued, her voice taking on a pleading tone. "You can't be complacent in this. Papa's behavior is beyond strange. It's destructive."

"I understand you're upset, sweetheart, but your father—"

"No, Mom," Zuri interrupted, frustration coloring her words. "You need to call him out on this. Tell him to go back to New York."

Her mother's silence spoke volumes. Zuri could almost see her, standing in their Brooklyn home, torn between her husband's delusions and her daughter's pleas.

A beep in Zuri's ear signaled another incoming call. She glanced at the screen – it was her brother, Malik.

"Mom, I've got to go. Malik's calling," Zuri said, her voice softening slightly. "Please, talk to Papa. Make him see reason. If he doesn't go back to New York soon, I'll... I'll have to take drastic measures to handle this."

She ended the call before her mother could respond, quickly switching over to Malik's call.

"Hey, big brother," she said, trying to inject some lightness into her voice.

"Zuri," Malik's deep voice came through, laced with concern. "I just heard about Papa's little Spanish vacation. You okay?"

Zuri let out a humorless laugh. "Oh, you know, just another day in the Awanto Nchang family drama."

"Want me on the next flight out? I can be there by tomorrow."

The offer warmed Zuri's heart, reminding her that not all of her family had lost their minds. "Thanks, Malik. But I think I need to handle this one on my own. Just... keep an eye on things back home, yeah?"

After a few more minutes of reassurances and sibling banter, Zuri hung up. She sat there for a moment, letting the weight of everything settle on her shoulders. Then, with a determined set to her jaw, she stood up.

The basement beckoned, promising the comfort of Aurélien's presence and the distraction of his friends' camaraderie. As she made her way down the stairs, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder.

Zuri paused at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the scene before her. Aurélien was bent over the pool table, his brow furrowed in concentration as he lined up a shot. Hugo and Manuel stood nearby while Julio lounged on a worn leather couch, idly scrolling through his phone.

The normalcy of it all hit Zuri like a punch to the gut. Here, in this basement, life went on. Pool balls clacked, jokes were shared, and the world kept spinning. Yet upstairs, her world felt like it was teetering on the edge of chaos.

Aurélien looked up then, his eyes finding hers across the room. His face softened immediately, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Without a word, he straightened up, abandoning his shot to cross the room towards her.

As he reached her, his hand found the small of her back, a gesture so familiar now it felt like coming home. "Everything okay?" he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Zuri leaned into him, drawing strength from his solid presence. "Not really," she admitted. "But it will be."

Aurélien's arm tightened around her, a silent promise of support. Zuri felt the eyes of his friends on them, a mixture of concern and curiosity evident in their gazes.

Great, now I'm the damsel in distress. Just what I needed.

"Come on," Aurélien murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Let's go upstairs."

They climbed the stairs, leaving the muffled sounds of pool and conversation behind. As they passed through the living room, they spotted Zeus sprawled on his back on the couch, legs akimbo, snoring softly. The sight of the massive dog looking so undignified brought a smile to Zuri's face.

Aurélien chuckled, shaking his head. "Look at that lazy bum. You'd think he was the one dealing with family drama."

"Maybe he's stress-sleeping for us," Zuri quipped, grateful for the moment of levity.

They began their ascent, Aurélien's hand never leaving the small of her back. Zuri found herself hyper-aware of his touch, of the soft grunt he made with each step as he favored his injured foot.

What now? her mind raced as they reached the loft. Do we talk about my crazy father? Pretend nothing happened? Is there a protocol for dealing with your fiancé after your dad tries to kidnap you?

But as they entered the bedroom and Aurélien turned to her, his eyes warm and understanding, some of her anxiety melted away. His gaze trailed over her, taking in the tension in her shoulders, the worry lines creasing her forehead.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked softly, his hand coming up to cup her cheek.

Zuri leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment. "Not really," she admitted. "Can we just... be normal for a bit?"

"Normal, huh? I can do normal," Aurélien nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But hey," he said softly, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "I just want you to know that this is about us now. You and me."

Zuri's breath caught in her throat at the intensity in his eyes. "Us," she repeated, the word feeling both foreign and right on her tongue.

"Yeah, us," Aurélien affirmed. "Whatever your father tries, whatever anyone tries, we face it together. Okay?"

Zuri nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear those words until this moment.

As Aurélien leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a soft, reassuring kiss, Zuri felt some of her worries melt away. His mouth was warm against hers, gentle yet insistent. She sighed into the kiss, her hand coming up to cup the nape of his neck.

Aurélien deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips before slipping inside. Zuri met him eagerly, tasting the faint hint of the beer he'd been drinking earlier. His hand slid down her side, coming to rest on her hip, his thumb tracing lazy circles there.

Just as Zuri was losing herself in the sensation, a loud knock on the bedroom door startled them apart.

"Yo, Aurélien!" Hugo's voice called from the other side. "There's a pot of something delicious-smelling in the kitchen. Mind if we have some?"

Aurélien groaned, dropping his forehead to Zuri's shoulder for a moment before calling back, "Sure, help yourselves!"

Zuri couldn't help but giggle at the frustration in his voice. Aurélien lifted his head, rolling his eyes, though there was no real annoyance in the gesture.

"Sorry about that," he murmured, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Where were we?"

Before Zuri could respond, he captured her lips again in a brief, searing kiss that left her breathless.

When they parted, Aurélien's eyes were dark with desire. "Are you sleeping in my bed tonight?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Zuri arched an eyebrow. "Haven't I for the past couple of days?"

"Yes," Aurélien nodded, "but I thought maybe after your father showing up, you would want to be alone."

The concern in his voice touched her. "No," Zuri said softly, running her hand down his chest. "I'll stay with you."

A slow, wicked grin spread across Aurélien's face. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Perfect. So I can finish having my dessert later?"

Zuri rolled her eyes, even as a warmth bloomed in her belly at his words. "You're horny as hell," she said, unable to keep the amusement out of her voice.

Aurélien's grin widened. "I'm always horny when you're involved," he said, his hand sliding down to squeeze her ass playfully.

Zuri yelped in surprise, then dissolved into laughter. As Aurélien joined in, his deep chuckles rumbling through his chest, Zuri felt the last of the day's tension drain away.

Later that evening, the house was much quieter. Aurélien’s friends had crashed in the guest rooms, their boisterous energy finally simmered down after a night of joking, catching up, and reminiscing about the past few weeks. But Aurélien’s mind wasn’t at ease.

He stood in the living room, staring at the security panel on the wall. After Ernest’s unexpected visit, Aurélien had immediately changed the code, his frustration still simmering beneath the surface. He wasn’t sure if Ernest had found out the old code somehow, but it didn’t sit well with him. Zuri’s father had crossed a line, and the thought of him showing up unannounced made Aurélien’s protective instincts flare. He even debated calling someone to upgrade the entire security system.

He clenched his jaw, running a hand over his face. The anger he felt toward Ernest hadn’t completely faded. But it wasn’t just anger—it was the pressure he felt to prove to Zuri that he wasn’t just another phase in her life. He wanted to show her he was serious. That he needed her, craved her in ways that he hadn't even anticipated. The deeper they got into this relationship—whatever it was—the more he found himself falling for her. And not just physically.

It was the way she made him laugh, the way she challenged him, the way she didn’t back down, even when he knew she had her own fears and uncertainties. Aurélien had never expected to feel like this, but now that he did, there was no going back. He wanted Zuri to know. Maybe he hadn’t told her outright yet, but he hoped that his actions had shown her.

His thoughts drifted to the woman waiting for him upstairs. She was all he could think about. Ernest’s sudden intrusion had shaken things, but now he needed to refocus—on her, on them.

Aurélien limped up the stairs, his foot still aching from the injury, but the dull pain did nothing to deter his desire for her. The moment he entered the bedroom, he saw Zuri sitting on the bed, her back against the headboard, flipping through her phone. She looked up as he approached, a soft smile on her lips.

"Hey," she said, her voice calm but still laced with the exhaustion of the evening’s events.

Aurélien didn’t say anything, just crossed the room to her, his eyes locked on hers. He climbed onto the bed, his movements steady and calculated, his hands finding her thighs as he gently pulled her down onto the mattress. Zuri raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest, letting him take control.

"Finishing my dessert," Aurélien murmured, his voice low, almost a growl, as he settled between her legs. His hands roamed over her body, tracing the curve of her waist, and the smoothness of her skin. His lips followed, leaving heated kisses along her neck, down to her chest. The way her breath hitched as he took his time, tasting her, only made him want her more.

Zuri gasped as his hands moved lower, his fingers slipping beneath the waistband of her shorts, pulling them down with ease. There was a slow, deliberate pace, a continuation of their earlier intimacy. He wanted her to feel everything.

Aurélien's gaze darkened with desire as his hands gripped the hem of Zuri’s panties, tugging them down with the same slow, deliberate motion he’d used on her shorts. She bit her lip, watching him, feeling the anticipation build as he undressed her piece by piece. He knelt back, his fingers curling around the elastic band of his basketball shorts, shimmying them down his hips in one swift motion. Without boxers beneath, his cock sprang free, hitting lightly against his lower stomach. The swollen head glistened with evidence of his arousal, the slick sheen of pre-cum catching the low light of the room. He was hard and ready, and the sight alone made Zuri’s breath catch.

He wasted no time, his shirt following the rest of his clothes as he tossed it aside. His lean, muscular body hovered over her, pressing her deeper into the mattress. His foot throbbed, but it was nothing compared to his need for her. He wanted her to feel good, to forget everything else and focus on them. On this.

Aurélien's lips found hers, kissing her deeply as he entered her, their bodies falling into an easy, familiar rhythm. Zuri moaned softly beneath him, her hands clutching at his back, her nails digging into his skin as he moved.

"Just like that, bébé," Aurélien whispered, his voice rough as he rocked into her. He loved the way she responded to him, the soft gasps, the way her hips rose to meet his thrusts. For the first time, there was no barrier, no thin layer separating their skin, and it drove Aurélien wild. He could feel everything—every tight pulse of her walls as she gripped him, every slick movement as he slid deeper. Every sensation was heightened, more raw, and he couldn’t help but groan as the pleasure washed over him in waves. “You feel so good,” he continued, his forehead pressed against hers, his eyes watching the way her face contorted in pleasure.

He talked her through it, his words a steady stream of praise and encouragement, his deep voice grounding her even as her body trembled beneath him. Zuri’s mouth fell open, but no words escaped, and her eyes fluttered shut – yet her expressive face told him everything he needed to know.

"Yeah, just like that… fuck….ma chérie," he murmured, his pace quickening slightly. The way she responded to him—so open, so uninhibited—made him want to give her everything. He could feel her tightening around him, her breaths coming faster, her fingers gripping his arms as she climbed higher and higher.

His hands roamed over her body, one sliding up to her chest, cupping her breast, his thumb brushing over the piercing that adorned her nipple. He could feel her body trembling beneath him, her moans filling the room as he continued to move inside her.

"Let go for me, bébé," he whispered, his voice hoarse with need. “I want to feel you. Come on my dick.”

And when she did, her body arching beneath his, her moans turning into cries of ecstasy, Aurélien knew without a doubt that he was falling in love with her. He hadn’t said the words yet, but he hoped she could feel it in every touch, in every kiss, in the way he held her like she was the most precious thing in his world.

Because she was.

His jaw clenched, and with a few more deep thrusts, he reached his peak, releasing a guttural moan. He pulled out just in time, his hand wrapping around his length as he spilled onto her stomach, his breath coming in harsh gasps. For a moment, they both stayed there, panting, their bodies buzzing with the aftershocks of pleasure.

Aurélien leaned down, kissing all over her face—her cheeks, her nose, her forehead—before pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "That was a one-time thing," he murmured, his tone playful, but his eyes still dark with lingering desire. "Going in raw like that."

Zuri's chest rose and fell as she caught her breath, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "It’s okay. I’m on birth control," she said, her voice soft but teasing.

Aurélien’s wicked grin returned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You should’ve never told me that," he teased, his hand gently brushing her hair from her face. "Now I’m going to want to ruin you every chance I get."

She laughed, rolling her eyes, but the warmth in her gaze told him that she didn’t mind one bit.

He kissed her again, slow and tender this time, before carefully getting up. He grabbed a towel, returning to her side to clean her up, his touches gentle and reverent. After making sure she was comfortable, he tossed the towel aside and slid back into bed, pulling her close against his chest.

"I got you, ZuZu."

She sighed contentedly, snuggling deeper into his embrace, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

_______________________________________________

The next morning, Aurélien stood outside a quiet café, his eyes scanning the street as he adjusted the collar of his Nike tracksuit. The pain in his foot was a dull throb, but he ignored it. He had something more pressing on his mind—meeting with Zuri’s father, Ernest.

Aurélien had gotten Ernest’s number from his own father, Fernand. He hadn’t told Zuri. She didn’t need the stress, not when things were already so complicated with their relationship.

His mind flashed back to the night before—how connected he’d felt to Zuri, how sure he was that he was falling for her. But Ernest? Ernest was the opposite of reassuring. He had doubts, reservations, and Aurélien was determined to put them to rest.

A sleek black car pulled up, and Ernest stepped out, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp. He was a tall man, with an air of authority that had clearly served him well in business. As he approached, his gaze dropped to Aurélien’s limp, and he raised an eyebrow.

"What happened to your foot?" Ernest asked, not bothering with a greeting, his tone cool and dismissive.

Aurélien’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, but he kept his voice calm. "Just a sprain from training. Nothing serious."

Ernest looked unimpressed, his eyes lingering on the bandage peeking out from Aurélien’s shoe. "Doesn’t look like ‘nothing serious.’ You’re limping like a man twice your age."

"It’ll heal," he said, holding back the urge to roll his eyes. "Let’s cut to the chase."

Ernest crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. “I’ve been wondering why I haven’t received what was promised during the bride price negotiation.”

Aurélien frowned, confused for a second. “What are you talking about?”

Ernest’s jaw tightened. “The car. The one that was supposed to be mine, as part of the agreement.”

Aurélien’s stomach turned. The car? That’s what this was about? Still? “You’re upset about a car? Is that why you’re acting like this? Why you're trying to take Zuri away?”

Ernest’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “That’s not the only reason. You’re young, Aurélien. What did you think this arrangement is about? Zuri was never meant for you. She’s just... a tool, a way to ensure what I wanted. A pawn.” His tone sharpened. “She couldn’t even be a good daughter and help her family, especially with all the money and access you have.”

Aurélien’s blood boiled. “That’s not her job,” he shot back, his voice rising. “She’s your daughter, not your business venture. You’re a poor excuse for a father, using her like that.”

Ernest sucked his teeth, unimpressed. “So sensitive. Just like your father.” He sneered, leaning in closer. “Fernand never knew the real reason behind this arrangement. He thought it was about family ties, but I had my own plans. And now, here you are, getting all worked up.”

Aurélien clenched his fists, anger pulsing through his veins. He wanted to knock Ernest flat, but he caught himself, aware of their surroundings. Losing his cool wouldn’t help Zuri or himself. Instead, he straightened up, forcing a cold smile. “Fuck you,” Aurélien said quietly, his voice full of contempt as he turned to limp away.

But before he could reach his car, Ernest’s hand gripped his arm tightly, yanking him back. “I want Zuri,” Ernest growled, “or what was promised to me.”

Aurélien yanked his arm free, glaring at him. “The only thing promised to you is my fist in your mouth.” He shrugged off Ernest’s hold, turning away as his pulse hammered in his ears.

He got into his car, gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he pulled out of the parking lot. By the time he hit the first red light, the anger surged through him like a tidal wave. He slammed his fists into the steering wheel, cursing under his breath. The whole situation was a mess, and he felt trapped in it. But one thing was clear—Ernest had underestimated him, and Aurélien wasn’t going to back down. Not for Zuri, not for anyone.

Later that day, Zuri found herself walking through the bustling market with Zeus trotting beside her, his leash loosely draped around her wrist. The air was filled with the mingling scents of fresh bread, ripe produce, and street food sizzling on nearby grills. The clamor of vendors calling out to customers blended with the hum of conversations. Normally, this kind of atmosphere would excite her, giving her plenty of inspiration for her social media posts. But today, her mind was elsewhere.

Aurélien walked a few paces ahead, carrying a grocery basket. He hadn’t said much since they left the house, and his usual ease seemed replaced by a distant, brooding energy. His broad shoulders were tense, and even his usual attentive glances at Zeus seemed off. It was as if something heavy was weighing on him.

Zuri watched him out of the corner of her eye, chewing on her lip as they stopped at a stand selling fresh vegetables. She picked up a tomato and examined it absently, her mind still on him. She could tell something was wrong, but she wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Their relationship—if she could even call it that—was still too new, too strange for her to navigate easily. Sure, they'd shared moments here and there, but she hadn’t figured out how to deal with the emotional side of him yet. And from the look of things, he wasn't making it easy.

“You okay?” she asked, trying to sound casual as she placed the tomato in the basket.

Aurélien gave a slight shrug, his eyes scanning the rows of produce. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he muttered, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.

Zuri frowned. He wasn’t fine. She’d been around enough people trying to hide their feelings to know when someone was lying, and right now, Aurélien was practically broadcasting it. His jaw was clenched, and there was a certain stiffness to his movements, like he was holding something back.

"You sure?" she pressed, her voice soft but firm.

This time, Aurélien sighed, rubbing a hand over his face before meeting her gaze. “It’s nothing for you to worry about,” he said, his tone gentler, though still guarded.

Zuri wasn’t buying it, but she didn’t push. Instead, she picked up a bunch of cilantro, handing it to him. "Alright," she said, trying to keep things light. "But you know, bottling things up isn’t healthy. Trust me, I’ve tried."

Aurélien huffed a small laugh but said nothing, taking the cilantro and placing it in the basket. They moved to the next stall, and Zuri fell into step beside him, Zeus trotting happily along. She was trying to think of something else to say, anything to break through the thick cloud of tension that seemed to hang over them.

When they reached a stall filled with various fish, Aurélien finally spoke, his voice low and heavy. "Your dad and I met."

Zuri blinked, taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to bring up Ernest, especially not like this. "When?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Earlier today," he said, his gaze trained on a bunch of bananas he pretended to consider. "He wanted to talk. About you. About the marriage."

Zuri's stomach dropped. "What did he say?"

"Merde," Aurélien let out a slow breath, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "For real, ZuZu, he sees you as a pawn in a bigger game—something to help build the family up. And he’s still fixated on that fucking car."

Zuri felt a wave of anger wash over her. "What the hell? He told you that?"

"Not in so many words, but it was clear," Aurélien replied, shifting his weight.

Zuri’s heart raced. Hearing that her father had confronted Aurélien made her chest tighten. "And what did you tell him?"

Aurélien turned to face her fully now, his expression serious. "I told him to fuck off. And that I wasn’t planning on backing out of this."

Zuri searched his face, trying to gauge his sincerity. "Is that what’s bothering you? What my dad said?"

Aurélien shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the ground. "It’s not just that," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "This whole situation—it’s a lot. I’m trying to figure it out, just like you are. But having your dad show up… it put more pressure on me. Made everything feel more real."

Zuri swallowed, feeling a mix of emotions swirl in her chest. She understood his frustration; it wasn’t like either of them had asked for this situation. "I didn’t know he was going to do that," she said softly. "I’m sorry if it made things worse."

"It didn’t make things worse," Aurélien said, shaking his head. "It just put things in perspective, like I really have to punch your dad in the mouth."

A small giggle escaped her despite the threat. "We don’t have to have all the answers right now," she said after a moment, her voice gentle. "I’m still figuring this out too, you know? It’s okay if we take it one step at a time."

Aurélien gave her a small, appreciative smile. "I know," he said quietly. "I just don’t want you to feel like you’re alone in this."

Zuri's heart softened at that. "And I thank you for that."

"Y'know what would be better?"

She immediately rolled her eyes at him. Of course, his mind was always focused on one thing. "What?"

"A kiss," he replied smoothly, puckering up his full lips into an exaggerated duck face that was both charming and ridiculous.

She scoffed, her annoyance instantly melting away, and stood on her tiptoes to place a teasingly brief kiss on his lips. But when they pulled apart, Aurélien wore a slight frown, and her brows knitted together in confusion. "Are you ever satisfied?"

Kissing his teeth, he shook his head disapprovingly. "No, seriously, what was that? Next time, you have to really lay one on me."

"Aurélien!" she chastised, swatting his chest playfully, though her heart raced at his boldness.

"I’m serious," he insisted, his voice dropping an octave, "especially after my tongue has been all up inside—"

Before he could finish that thought, Zuri surged forward, capturing his lips with hers once more. This time, it was anything but chaste. Their mouths melded together with heat and desire, perfectly in sync as Aurélien's hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. He growled softly, deepening their kiss, his teeth grazing her bottom lip as they parted.

"Good girl," he murmured, his voice low and playful as he leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "Now we can have make-up sex at home."

Zuri laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You’re truly a mess."

"Your mess," he countered with a playful wink, squeezing her waist affectionately, the mischief in his eyes igniting something thrilling within her.

TO BE CONTINUED....

[emjayewrites]

If you missed it, new chapters for Fouled by Fate is up:

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (7/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, angst, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @bbgkoo @lottins-only

A/N: Please let me know if you want to be removed from the tag list Thank you again for your love and appreciation!

Zuri blinked against the morning light as it filtered through the thin curtains of her room. For a moment, she wasn’t entirely sure where she was, her body still warm and heavy with sleep. Then it hit her —her bedroom. Her bed. Not Aurélien’s.

She let out a soft sigh, chastising herself as she stretched beneath the sheets. After everything that had happened the last few days, she had been so close to just staying with him. They had spent every evening together, talking, laughing, and occasionally flirting in a way that left her heart racing. Yet, she had still chosen to slip back to her own room last night, even though she wanted to be near him.

Zuri closed her eyes for a second, mentally scolding herself for the decision. It wasn’t because she didn’t feel something for him — she definitely did. In fact, that was part of the problem. She was starting to feel Aurélien a lot, more than she had expected when all of this started. He wasn’t just the guy she had been arranged to marry anymore; he was becoming someone she was genuinely drawn to. And that terrified her a little.

She didn’t want to get caught up in her emotions just because Aurélien had looked so damn sexy in his traditional Bamileke attire the other night. The memory made her groan inwardly, heat rising in her cheeks. The way the fabric had hugged his body, highlighting every muscle, and the way he carried himself with that effortless confidence — it had taken every ounce of self-control not to jump his bones right then and there.

But no, she had wanted to make sure what she was feeling was real, not just lust clouding her judgment. She needed to know that whatever was happening between them wasn’t just a product of the circumstances or physical attraction. So, she had slipped back to her own bed, hoping a little space would help her think clearly.

How’s that going for you? she thought dryly, throwing the covers off.

As she stretched and rolled out of bed, the sound of music drifted in from outside. Hip-hop. Familiar, but unexpected in the quiet morning air. Curious, Zuri padded over to the window and peered out, her eyebrows raising in surprise.

There, in the pool, was Aurélien. His broad shoulders gleamed under the early sun as he swam laps effortlessly, cutting through the water with perfect form. Zeus lay lazily by the poolside, his massive head resting on his paws, clearly content with the morning's serenity. The sight made her smile, warmth blooming in her chest. She watched Aurélien for a few moments, appreciating the fluidity of his movements, the way his muscles flexed with every stroke.

Damn, this man really is something, she thought, biting her lip before shaking her head. Her eyes flicked over to Zeus, and a soft laugh escaped her. He was always glued to Aurélien, never more than a few feet away. The two of them were practically inseparable, much like how she had been with him these past few days.

Her thoughts drifted to Senait and Jules, who had left yesterday after spending the rest of the weekend with them. Zuri had noticed how Senait seemed unusually keen on Jules, which had amused her. Her best friend had a habit of playing coy when it came to men, a tactic Zuri knew all too well. Senait would flirt, tease, and be all up in a guy’s face but rarely let her guard down. It was her way of avoiding getting hurt, a defense mechanism she had honed over the years.

Zuri couldn’t exactly blame her — Jules was handsome, with that quiet confidence and an easy smile that made him hard to resist. He was the kind of guy who could make a woman feel comfortable without even trying. But despite Senait’s usual games, Zuri could tell there was something different this time. She saw how Senait’s eyes lingered on Jules when she thought no one was watching, and how Jules seemed genuinely interested in her.

For once, Zuri doubted Senait’s playful façade would hold up. Jules didn’t seem like the type to play around, and Zuri had a feeling that if Senait let her walls down, something real could happen between them.

Zuri’s thoughts returned to the present as she watched Aurélien finish his laps, his chest rising and falling as he pulled himself out of the pool, water cascading down his body. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

What are you doing, Zuri? she asked herself, staring out at him. You’re over here, in your room, when you could be there with him.

She glanced back at her bed, then at Aurélien, who was now toweling off, his focus on Zeus as he lazily scratched the dog's head. The past week had been filled with moments — moments of connection, of unspoken understanding, of a pull that was becoming harder to ignore. But what was holding her back now?

Was she scared of what this could become, or was it just a matter of time before she let herself fully embrace it?

Zuri sighed, her heart fluttering as she looked at him one last time before turning away from the window. Maybe it was time to stop fighting it. Time to let herself explore whatever this was between them. Whether it was real or just something born out of their situation, there was only one way to find out.

With a new resolve, she headed toward the bathroom to freshen up, her thoughts still lingering on the man outside. She quickly brushed her teeth, pulling her hair into a ponytail before padding down the hallway, the smell of coffee faint but unmistakable.

As she approached the kitchen, she spotted Aurélien standing by the counter, his brow furrowed in concentration as he stared at the new coffee machine they had gotten as a gift during their engagement party. He was pressing buttons with the caution of someone defusing a bomb, and the sight made Zuri bite back a laugh.

"Need some help?" she teased, leaning against the doorframe.

Aurélien glanced up, flashing her a sheepish grin. "You’d think a footballer could handle a coffee machine, right? But no, this thing’s smarter than me."

Zuri chuckled, walking over to him. "It’s not that complicated. You just have to remember that it’s a gift designed to make our mornings unnecessarily fancy," she said, pushing a few buttons with ease.

In seconds, the machine whirred to life, the rich aroma of brewing coffee filling the kitchen. Zuri glanced up at Aurélien, who was watching her with a playful smirk.

"Show-off," he murmured then kissed his teeth, his voice low and teasing.

She shrugged, brushing off his comment with a grin. "Someone has to keep this household running."

He laughed, leaning in closer, and for a moment, the air between them shifted. The lightness of the banter faded as their eyes met, and Zuri felt that familiar pull again. She couldn’t deny it any longer, not with him standing this close, his presence consuming every bit of space around her. Her heart sped up as Aurélien tilted his head slightly, his lips ghosting over hers in a way that made her breath catch.

Before she knew it, his mouth was on hers, soft but insistent. Zuri kissed him back without hesitation, her body responding to the warmth of his lips, the way his hand found her waist, drawing her closer. Time seemed to slow, and for those few seconds, nothing else mattered.

When they finally pulled apart, Zuri could feel her pulse racing, though she tried to play it cool. Aurélien stepped back, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips, but there was something more in his eyes—something that mirrored what she was feeling. The unspoken acknowledgment that neither of them wanted that kiss to end.

"You’ve been kissing me more and more lately," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Aurélien’s grin widened. "I like kissing you," he replied casually.

Zuri rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. "Is that so?"

"Mm-hmm." He leaned back against the counter, watching her closely, his gaze lingering on her lips before finally meeting her eyes again. "What can I say? It’s becoming my favorite pastime."

Zuri felt a flutter in her chest, the playful banter only masking the deeper emotions brewing beneath the surface.

Aurélien seemed to read her thoughts because he cleared his throat and stepped back a little more, giving them both space to breathe. "So," he said, changing the subject, "we’ve got quite the haul of gifts, don’t we?"

Zuri glanced over at the dining room, where boxes and bags were stacked high, filling the space. "I know. It’s like we’re stocking up for a small country."

"I think the coffee machine might be the most confusing one," Aurélien admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Or the juicer," Zuri added, laughing. "I don’t even know what half those buttons do."

They both chuckled, the lightness returning as they stood together in the kitchen, the tension easing for the moment. But just as quickly as the conversation shifted, Aurélien’s expression grew more serious.

"We need to get ready soon," he said, his voice softer. "Our flight leaves in a few hours."

Zuri blinked, the reality of their plans sinking in. "Paris," she murmured, the name of the city filling her with excitement. She loved Paris — the energy, the culture, the food. It was one of her favorite places in the world. But this time, the trip had added significance. Aurélien was heading there for his national team camp with Les Bleus, and she would be going with him.

"Yeah," Aurélien said, watching her carefully. "You ready?"

Zuri smiled, her excitement bubbling up. "Always ready for Paris."

"Good." Aurélien’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned in closer again, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "I hope your French has gotten better."

Zuri playfully swatted at him, her eyes narrowing. "So mean," she pouted, sticking out her tongue before turning to head back to her room to finish packing.

Just as she started walking away, Aurélien’s hand came down on her ass in a playful smack, causing her to spin around, wide-eyed in surprise.

"There’s more where that came from if you keep being bratty," he said, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips.

Zuri blinked, both shocked and amused. "Oh really?" she asked, trying to sound indignant but failing to hide her smile.

"Absolutely," Aurélien replied, his tone warm and teasing, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of challenge and affection.

_________________________________________________

Paris greeted Zuri and Aurélien with a blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. The sun was setting over the Seine, casting a golden glow across the city as they made their way to their hotel. The air was crisp, the sound of distant chatter and the hum of cars filling the streets as they approached the entrance of a luxurious five-star hotel, tucked away from the bustling avenues but still close to the heart of the city.

The hotel lobby was grand but understated, with sleek marble floors and intricate chandeliers casting a warm light. Zuri felt a surge of excitement as they made their way to the elevator, the plush carpet underfoot softening their steps. As they reached their suite, the door swung open to reveal a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, illuminated against the fading twilight.

Zuri’s breath hitched as she took it all in. The Paris skyline stretched out before her, and she marveled at how the city seemed to pulse with life, even from this quiet, elevated distance. "Wow," she breathed, stepping closer to the windows.

Aurélien smiled as he watched her, clearly enjoying her awe. "It’s something, right?" he said, coming up behind her. His fingers lightly grazed her waist as he stood just inches away, the warmth of his body a welcome presence. "I’ll be checking in at camp soon. I have to change," he murmured, his voice dropping slightly.

Before she could reply, he tilted her chin up gently, capturing her lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Zuri melted into him, her body responding immediately. His hands slid up to cup her face as he deepened the kiss, and for a moment, she felt herself getting lost in him. When his lips trailed down to her neck, pressing soft kisses against her skin, a moan escaped her. Aurélien’s breath hitched at the sound, his restraint wavering. But he pulled back, eyes dark with desire.

"We’ll finish this later," he whispered, a teasing smirk playing on his lips as he stepped away reluctantly. "I have to get changed."

Zuri nodded, still catching her breath as she watched him disappear into the bedroom. Her skin was tingling, her thoughts scattered from the heat of the moment. She heard him rustling in the other room, and within minutes, he emerged in his tracksuit, ready for camp but still radiating that effortless allure that drove her wild.

"I’ll see you tonight," Aurélien said, giving her one last lingering look before grabbing his bag and heading for the door.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Zuri plopped down on the plush sofa with a deep sigh. Her mind raced, still caught in the warmth of his kisses and the way he’d touched her. There was no question in her mind — she was definitely going to fuck him tonight.

Before she could dwell on the thought any longer, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a FaceTime request from Senait. Zuri answered, smiling when her friend’s face popped up on the screen.

"Girl, tell me everything," Senait said, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

Zuri laughed. "We just got to Paris, and this suite is… insane. The view alone, you would love it."

Senait grinned. "I bet. And what about Aurélien?"

Zuri hesitated, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "Let’s just say… tonight might be the night."

Senait’s eyes widened in excitement. "Ohhh, finally! I knew you’d give in."

Zuri chuckled softly as Senait's excited expression filled the screen. But as the initial thrill subsided, doubt crept back in. "I don’t know, Sen. I mean, he’s my fiancé now, but it’s still… complicated." She leaned back into the plush cushions, staring at the ceiling as she tried to articulate what she was feeling. "Sex always complicates things."

Senait’s eyes narrowed, her tone unwavering. "It’s your fiancé, Zuri. Not some random guy off the street. You’ve been spending all this time together, you’re clearly into him, and you’re getting married. Why overthink it? If anything, it’ll bring you closer."

Zuri hesitated, nibbling her bottom lip. "I know, but… I just don’t want to mess anything up. What if it changes things? Makes them more intense?" Her voice wavered, betraying the uncertainty that had been swirling inside her since she started developing real feelings for Aurélien.

Senait’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Girl, you're engaged to this man! And you think sex is going to complicate things? If anything, you should be testing the waters before you dive in. You need to know if this ship can sail smoothly, if you get what I mean."

Zuri let out a laugh despite herself, shaking her head. "You’re saying I need to test drive before I marry him?"

"Exactly!" Senait’s grin widened, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "You’ve got to know what you’re getting into. He might be sexy as hell, but you need the full picture. And from the way he’s been all over you, I think the chemistry will speak for itself.”

Zuri couldn’t help but agree, a small smile forming on her lips. "True," she admitted, the tension loosening just a bit. "You always know how to keep it real."

"Always," Senait said confidently, flipping her braids over her shoulder. "Plus, if it’s good, it’ll only make everything better."

Zuri smirked, letting the words sink in. Maybe Senait had a point. Why not enjoy what they had without worrying too much? "You’re probably right."

"I’m always right. Now, enough about you and Aurélien. Tell me when I’m coming back to Madrid," Senait said, changing the subject with an eager gleam in her eyes.

Zuri grinned. "You tell me! It was such a nice surprise having you at the engagement ceremony. I still can’t believe my mom invited you out."

Senait laughed. "I think she just wanted to make sure you had your support system. And I’m always down for a good party."

"It really was the perfect surprise. I’m so glad you came. I didn’t realize how much I needed you there until I saw you," Zuri said, her voice softening as she reflected on the whirlwind of emotions from the past few days.

"Of course. You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world. But don’t think I’m done with Madrid yet. Jules and I might have unfinished business," Senait teased, a coy smile tugging at her lips.

Zuri arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Unfinished business, huh?"

Senait winked, her smile widening. "Let’s just say… Jules is fun. We’ll see where that goes."

Zuri laughed. "I noticed the chemistry between you two at the engagement party. I didn’t expect it, but I’m happy for you. Just don’t play around with him too much, you know Jules is a good guy.”

"Trust me, I know," Senait said, her tone softening a bit. “But you know me — I’ve got my walls up. I’ll figure it out."

Zuri nodded, understanding all too well. Senait had her ways of protecting herself, and while it made sense, she hoped this time, Jules would be the exception. "Well, just make sure you don’t push him away. He seems like he’s into you."

Senait sighed, her playful demeanor softening for a moment. "I’ll try. Promise."

With that, they shifted the conversation to lighter topics, laughing and chatting about their time in Madrid. But as the call came to an end, Zuri couldn’t help but feel a sense of resolve building inside her. Maybe Senait was right. Maybe it was time to stop questioning and start feeling.

Aurélien stepped out of the car, inhaling deeply. The familiar scent of freshly cut grass and the subtle hint of rubber from the training balls filled his nostrils. Clairefontaine, the heart of French football, sprawled before him in all its glory.

The vast complex, with its state-of-the-art training facilities, pristine pitches, and modern residential buildings, never failed to impress him. This place had nurtured the dreams of countless French footballers, himself included.

He entered the training camp with a sense of excitement, the familiar buzz of energy in the air as players and staff moved about. He exchanged quick nods and daps with his teammates, greeting them with easy smiles.

"Salut, mon frère (Hey, brother)," one of his teammates said, pulling him into a brief bro-hug.

"Ça fait du bien d’être de retour (Feels good to be back)," Aurélien replied, his French flowing naturally as he felt the camaraderie settle in.

The coaches stood nearby, discussing tactics for the day’s session. One of them, Coach Didier, clapped him on the back. "Prêt pour aujourd’hui? (Ready for today?)"

"Oui, Coach. Je suis chaud (Yeah, Coach. I’m ready)," Aurélien grinned. He was always ready to hit the field.

The team began their drills, moving through agility and passing exercises. The sound of cleats hitting the turf and coaches shouting instructions filled the air. As they transitioned into more complex drills, Aurélien’s thoughts drifted to Zuri. Her laugh, the way she challenged him, the way they’d kissed before he left the hotel—all of it stayed with him, making him smile even as he weaved through the cones.

He was excited about their plans — dinners at hidden restaurants, museum visits, lazy walks through Parisian streets.

As the practice continued, Aurélien moved into a passing drill, but as he pivoted to change direction, he felt a sharp pain in his foot. He grunted, stumbling as the discomfort shot up his leg.

"Ah merde (Ah, shit)," he cursed under his breath, his foot faltering beneath him.

One of the trainers noticed immediately, blowing the whistle and rushing over. "Ça va? (Are you okay?)"

Aurélien tried to walk it off, but the pain was too much. "Non… je pense que je me suis foulé le pied (No… I think I sprained my foot)," he said, wincing as he put weight on it. The medical staff quickly swooped in, helping him limp off the pitch and towards the recovery center.

Inside, the medics assessed him, gently prodding his foot as Aurélien clenched his jaw, silently worrying about another severe foot injury. After a few minutes, one of the doctors nodded. "C’est une entorse (It’s a sprain)," the doctor said, his tone calm. "Rien de grave, mais tu devrais l'élever et éviter de trop marcher dessus pendant quelques semaines." (Nothing serious, but you should elevate it and avoid putting too much weight on it for a few weeks.)

Aurélien sighed, still irritated by the situation, but somewhat happy that it wasn’t as serious as late last year. Then, his plans with Zuri flashed before him — now it all seemed out of reach. "Et l’inflammation? (And the swelling?)" he asked, hoping for a timeline.

"Repose-le pendant 24 heures. Ça devrait aider (Rest it for 24 hours. That should help)," the doctor replied, already wrapping his foot in bandages.

Just then, one of the assistants entered the room. "Aurélien, nous avons contacté tes parents et Zuri (Aurélien, we’ve contacted your parents and Zuri)," he said, looking apologetic.

Aurélien sucked his teeth in frustration. "Putain…" (Fuck) he muttered, running a hand over his face. "C’était juste une entorse…" (It’s just a sprain…)

The doctor looked at him sympathetically. "Elle arrive bientôt, ne t’inquiète pas. Ce n’est pas grave, mais c’est mieux qu’elle soit informée." (She’s on her way, don’t worry. It’s not serious, but it’s better she knows.)

Aurélien sat back, still annoyed. He and Zuri had been planning a perfect trip, and now it felt like everything was falling apart. Restaurants, museums, shopping — it was all moot. He stared at the ceiling, already dreading how limited he'd be for the next few weeks.

Soon after, the assistant returned, Zuri trailing behind her. The moment Zuri saw Aurélien, her expression softened with concern, and she rushed over, placing a gentle kiss on his lips before turning to the doctor.

"Excusez-moi, docteur," Zuri began, her French halting and unsure. "Qu'est-ce qui... um... wrong avec mon...?"

The doctor glanced at Aurélien, a bemused smile playing on his lips. He then turned back to Zuri, switching to English. "It's just a minor strain, nothing to worry about."

Zuri's relief was palpable as she nodded her understanding.

Aurélien couldn’t help but tease her. "Your French is still horrible," he said, wiping his face as he laughed softly.

Zuri rolled her eyes and pinched his bicep playfully. "Shut up."

Aurélien laughed harder, and even the doctor cracked a smile. "Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. Just rest and light movement," the doctor reassured them both.

After giving him crutches, they headed out of the recovery center, where Didier was waiting to check in. "Ça va, Aurélien?" (Are you alright, Aurélien?) the coach asked in concern, glancing at Zuri.

"Oui, Coach. Je me débrouille," (Yes, Coach. I’m managing) Aurélien said before turning to Zuri. "Elle comprend mieux l’anglais," (She understands English better) he added with a smirk.

Didier switched languages, offering Zuri a warm smile. "It’s nice to meet you, Zuri. Aurélien’s told us great things."

Zuri returned the smile. "Nice to meet you too," she said, and they talked briefly before Aurélien thanked him for the concern.

As they headed back to the hotel, Aurélien sighed, feeling the weight of his injury but also Zuri’s presence next to him. They had been planning so much for their time in Paris, but now everything seemed uncertain. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that being with Zuri would make the rest of their trip worth it, even if things didn’t go exactly as planned.

Back at the hotel, Aurélien hobbled in on his crutches, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. The suite was exactly as they’d left it — luxurious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the bustling streets of Paris below. Normally, the view would be the first thing on his mind, but right now, he was just focused on getting off his feet.

Zuri was immediately on high alert, rushing around the room like a whirlwind. "Do you need extra pillows? Maybe you should elevate your foot higher. Wait, let me get you some water," she rambled, grabbing everything she thought he might need. "Do you want a snack?"

Aurélien chuckled as she darted from the living area to the bedroom, her voice trailing behind her. "Zuri, relax."

But she was too caught up in trying to make him comfortable. She tossed a blanket at him, then rushed over to adjust the pillows. "I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay! Do you need painkillers? I think there’s some in the bathroom."

"Mon cœur," Aurélien said gently, catching her wrist as she hurried by. “It’s just a sprain. Come sit with me. I don’t need all of this." He smiled at her, pulling her toward him. "Please."

Zuri hesitated, her brow furrowed in concern, but she finally let out a breath and sat down next to him. “I just want to help,” she said, still fidgeting with the edge of the blanket.

“I know, and I appreciate it,” Aurélien replied, his voice softening. He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “But right now, all I need is you. Let’s just chill, talk about something besides my foot, yeah?”

Zuri finally relaxed, leaning back against the sofa with him. “Okay, okay. No more fussing,” she promised, though her eyes still flickered to his foot, wrapped up in bandages and elevated on the coffee table.

They sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, the faint sounds of the city outside filtering through the windows. The room felt warm, cozy, and despite his injury, Aurélien found himself feeling content just being there with her.

"So," Zuri said after a beat, turning her head toward him. "What do you want to talk about?"

Aurélien smiled, relieved to move on from the whole sprain situation. "I don’t know. Anything. Tell me something random."

"Hmm…” Zuri tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, I was thinking about taking a cooking class while we’re in Paris. You know, since you’re supposed to be resting and all."

Aurélien raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You’re gonna show off your culinary skills, huh?"

Zuri laughed, rolling her eyes. "We’ll see how it goes. I might come back with a disaster instead of a meal."

"I’d eat anything you make," Aurélien said, leaning his head back against the sofa and giving her a playful grin. "Even if it’s a disaster."

She laughed again, shaking her head. "Don’t say that yet. Wait until I burn something first."

The conversation flowed easily after that, their playful banter filling the room. Aurélien loved these moments — when they could just talk about random things, with no pressure, no worries about anything but enjoying each other’s company. He could feel the weight of the injury lifting from his mind as they shared stories and laughs, her presence making everything feel lighter.

As the evening stretched on, Zuri finally leaned her head on his shoulder, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his arm. "You know," she murmured softly, "I’m really glad we came here. Even with the whole sprained foot thing. It feels… nice."

Aurélien looked down at her, his heart swelling as he watched her eyes flutter closed, clearly tired from all the running around. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "Me too," he whispered. "I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."

Zuri shifted slightly. "So, what about shopping? I was really looking forward to hitting up a few boutiques while we’re in Paris. Can we still do that?"

Aurélien tilted his head, pondering for a moment. "Maybe one or two stores," he replied, squeezing her hand gently as he brushed his lips over her fingers, savoring the soft skin beneath his mouth. He couldn’t help but glance at the delicate bracelets adorning her wrist—the Van Cleef & Arpels piece sparkling under the soft light, alongside the Cartier bracelet, both of which he had gifted her for her bride price ceremony.

"I like seeing you wear those," he murmured, a smile creeping onto his face. "They look beautiful on you."

Zuri lifted her wrist, admiring the jewelry. "Thanks. I thought I’d break them out for Paris. Maybe I’ll wear them more often," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief.

"You definitely should," Aurélien encouraged, a teasing lilt in his tone. "They suit you. Plus, they’re a reminder of how lucky you are."

Zuri raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, is that how it works? You just give me pretty things, and I’ll be reminded of my luck?"

Aurélien chuckled. "Exactly. But they’re also a reminder of my excellent taste, obviously."

"Ha! I’ll give you that one," Zuri laughed, shaking her head. "You do have great taste, especially when it comes to gifts."

After a while, Zuri sat up slightly, looking thoughtful. "What should we order for room service?"

Aurélien considered it for a moment, glancing at the menu that lay on the coffee table. "How about some classic French dishes? Maybe a nice coq au vin?"

Zuri grinned, her eyes lighting up at the thought of indulging in French cuisine. "That sounds perfect. And we can’t forget the pastries. I need something sweet to go with dinner."

"Of course, ma chérie. Order all the pastries you want," he promised, shifting slightly so he could reach for the phone.

As he began to dial, Zuri watched him with a smile, her heart swelling at how effortlessly he made her feel at home. After placing the order, they settled back into the couch, their hands still intertwined, and she leaned her head against his shoulder once more.

"Do you think we’ll get to do all the things we wanted?" Zuri asked quietly, her voice slightly pensive.

"Absolutely,” Aurélien replied, determination in his tone. "It might take a little adjusting, but we’ll make it work. You’re stuck with me, remember?"

Zuri smiled. "Unfortunately..."

"Luckily," he said, placing a light kiss on her cheek. "Don't think a little sprained foot would stop me, ZuZu."

Before Zuri could retort, there was a knock at the door, breaking the moment. She turned to answer it, revealing a waiter with a cart filled with their room service order.

_______________________________________________

After their delicious feast, the evening settled into a cozy rhythm. They found solace in the soft glow of the television and each other’s company, sprawled across the plush sofa in the living room, occasionally glancing at the screen while getting lost in conversation.

Zuri helped Aurélien navigate the bathroom, his crutches leaning against the wall. "Just call if you need anything, okay?" she said as he hopped into the shower, steam curling around him.

"Of course, I’ll be fine," he called back, his voice echoing in the tiled space.

A few minutes later, he hopped out, towel wrapped around his waist, droplets glistening on his skin. Zuri’s breath caught in her throat for a moment before she shook her head to clear it.

"Not fair," she murmured, trying to focus on anything but the sight of him.

Aurélien laughed softly, shaking his hair dry. "I have to look good, especially with my beautiful fiancée around."

She rolled her eyes playfully but couldn’t suppress a smile. "Keep that up, and I might just decide to steal those towels."

"Please don’t,” he teased, “I need at least one for after my shower."

As he fluffed the pillows under his foot on the bed, Zuri excused herself to change into her pajamas. When she returned, she wore a comfy oversized shirt and her signature bonnet, looking both adorable and relaxed.

"Feeling cozy?" Aurélien asked, his eyes sparkling as he patted the space beside him.

Zuri climbed onto the bed, sinking into the soft comforter next to him. "Definitely. I’m all about the comfort right now," she replied, snuggling closer.

"Good," Aurélien said, wrapping an arm around her. "You fit perfectly here, you know."

Zuri looked up at him, a mix of amusement and affection in her eyes. "Oh yeah? Even with my stellar French skills?"

Aurélien chuckled, remembering her adorable attempt to communicate with the doctor. "Especially with that. You're keeping everyone on their toes, ZuZu."

Zuri looked up at him, feeling the unspoken bond between them deepening. "So, what's on the agenda for tonight? More TV, or are we just going to lay here and pretend to be productive?"

"Let's be real," he chuckled, scrolling through his phone. "I'm all about pretending to be productive while I'm actually just enjoying this moment."

Zuri snorted, poking him in the side. "Look at you, getting all sappy on me. Who are you and what have you done with Aurélien Tchouaméni?"

Aurélien caught her hand, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss. "Hey, I can be sappy when I want to be. It's part of my charm."

"Uh-huh," Zuri said, her tone skeptical but her eyes sparkling. "And does this charm work on all the ladies, or am I just special?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," Aurélien teased, enjoying their banter. It still amazed him sometimes, how comfortable they'd become with each other in such a short time.

His phone buzzed with a message from Jules. "Looks like the team's organizing an impromptu game night," he said, showing Zuri the text.

Aurélien felt a twinge of disappointment, glancing down at his bandaged foot. "Guess we'll have to sit this one out."

Zuri's face softened with understanding. "Hey, that's okay. We can have our own game night right here. I spotted a chess set earlier - think you can take me on?"

Aurélien raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You play chess?"

"Prepare to have your ass handed to you, Tchouaméni," Zuri grinned, already moving to fetch the board.

As she set up the pieces, Aurélien couldn't help but smile. His injury might be keeping him from the team activities, but somehow, the prospect of a quiet night in with Zuri seemed even better.

"Alright, ZuZu," he said, sitting up straighter. "Show me what you've got."

_____________________________________________

Zuri woke to the sound of muffled cursing. She cracked one eye open to see Aurélien sitting on the edge of the bed, gingerly trying to slip a shoe over his bandaged foot.

"You know," she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep, "for a world-class athlete, you're really bad at this whole 'resting' thing."

Aurélien shot her a look that was half exasperation, half amusement. "Very funny, ZuZu. We have places to be."

Zuri sat up, running a hand over her bonnet. "Places that involve hobbling around Paris?"

"We have plans, remember?" he said, finally managing to get the shoe on. "I'm not letting a little sprain ruin our day."

As Zuri watched him struggle to stand, she couldn't help but feel a mix of fondness and frustration. "You're going to make it worse if you're not careful," she warned.

Aurélien paused, looking at her with those annoyingly sincere eyes of his. "I'll be fine, ma chérie. Promise. We'll take it easy anyways."

Zuri sighed, knowing a lost cause when she saw one. "Fine. But if you come back with a broken foot, don't expect any sympathy from me."

As they got ready, Zuri couldn't help but steal glances at Aurélien. Even with his injury, he moved with a grace that made her a little envious. She watched as he struggled with his crutches, stubbornly refusing help until he nearly toppled over trying to put on his jacket.

"For the love of—" Zuri muttered, rushing over to steady him. "Will you please let me help you, you stubborn mule?"

Aurélien had the decency to look sheepish. "Sorry, ma chérie. Force of habit."

As they made their way out of their hotel, Aurélien leaning on her more than he'd probably admit, Zuri found herself thinking about how much her life had changed. Here she was, in Paris, helping her injured footballer fiancé go shopping.

And the weirdest part? She was kind of loving it.

They managed to hit up Chanel, the boutique's elegant interior a stark contrast to Aurélien's crutches clunking against the polished floor. The sales associate's eyes widened in recognition, but to her credit, she maintained her professional demeanor.

"Consider it an early wedding gift," Aurélien said with a wink as he insisted on buying Zuri a ridiculously expensive flap bag.

Zuri rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the little thrill that ran through her. "You know, if you keep spoiling me like this, I might actually start to like you."

Aurélien's answering grin was both infuriating and adorable. "That's the plan."

By the time they reached the second store, Louis Vuitton, it was clear Aurélien's foot was bothering him more than he let on.

"Okay, tough guy," Zuri said, noticing his wince as he shifted his weight. "Time to call it a day."

"But we've barely started," Aurélien protested weakly.

Zuri rolled her eyes, but there was no heat in it. "Yeah, and at this rate, you'll be out for the whole season. Come on, let's get you back to elevate that foot."

"Can we at least eat at the hotel restaurant?" Aurélien asked as they made their way back. "I'm going crazy in that room."

Zuri wanted to argue, but the pleading look in his eyes made her relent. "Fine, but your foot is going up on a chair, I don't care how fancy the place is."

At the restaurant, they found a quiet corner table. True to her word, Zuri commandeered an extra chair for Aurélien's foot, ignoring the raised eyebrows from nearby diners.

"So," Aurélien said as they perused the menus, "how are you liking Paris so far?"

Zuri looked up, catching the genuine curiosity in his eyes. "Surreal," she admitted. "Beautiful, overwhelming, exciting. Kind of like this whole situation, you know?"

Aurélien nodded, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I know it's a lot. But for what it's worth, I think you're handling it amazingly."

As they enjoyed their meal, she casually pushed her fork around her plate. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment too long, but she couldn’t help it. He was relaxed, even with the slight tension in his brow from his injury. The way his shirt stretched across his shoulders didn’t help her focus either.

"Stop staring," he teased, catching her in the act, his voice low and teasing. He took a sip of his drink, eyes never leaving hers.

"Can’t help it. You’re cute when you’re pretending your foot isn’t killing you," she shot back, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Aurélien leaned back in his chair, stretching his arm across the backrest like he owned the place. "Trust me, I’m more worried about you making eyes at me than my foot."

Zuri’s heart did a small flip at his tone, and she tried to play it off, raising an eyebrow. "Making eyes? Please. I’m just thinking about dessert."

He smirked. "If that’s your story, I’ll let you stick to it."

The waiter interrupted their banter with dessert menus, and Zuri grabbed one like it was her lifeline, quickly burying her face in it. Aurélien’s low chuckle sent a warmth through her that she refused to acknowledge. She glanced up over the menu, catching his gaze still on her.

"So," she started, lowering the menu slightly. "What’s the plan for the rest of the night? Should I prepare for more complaints about your foot, or are you going to let me pamper you?"

Aurélien grinned, reaching across the table and lightly grazing his fingers against hers. "You’re the one with the plan. I’m just here, injured and at your mercy. Go easy on me."

After dinner, they retreated to their suite. Aurélien walked ahead of her into the living room, his movements slower due to his sprained foot. Zuri followed him, her eyes tracing the lines of his broad shoulders and the familiar way he moved, even when injured.

“I can help you with the bandage,” she offered, watching as he settled himself on the edge of the bed.

He gave her a grateful smile, and without hesitation, she knelt beside him, carefully unwrapping the now-loose gauze. The air between them was comfortable, yet charged, like both of them were aware of something lingering just beneath the surface.

“You’re getting good at this,” he mused, his fingers brushing the curve of her jaw.

She smiled softly, concentrating on her task. “I’m a fast learner.”

When she finished, she stood, watching as Aurélien made his way to the bathroom, his shirt already discarded on the way. “Just give me a few minutes. I’ll be quick,” he called over his shoulder.

Zuri nodded, finding herself staring after him. Once the door clicked shut behind him, she exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. The tension between them felt more tangible tonight —different. Maybe it was the intimacy of traveling together, of sharing this space.

Moments later, Aurélien emerged from the bathroom, fresh and clean, damp curls on top of his head. He gave her a lingering look before climbing into bed. Zuri followed his lead, slipping into the bathroom to change into her pajamas and tie her hair into her bonnet.

When she returned, the sight of him lying in bed, phone in hand, one leg elevated on pillows, sent a flutter through her chest. He looked relaxed, content — and undeniably attractive.

"Come here," he murmured, glancing up from his phone as she approached. "I need my personal heater."

Zuri settled into the space next to Aurélien, her head resting lightly on his chest as they lay intertwined beneath the blankets. She could hear the faint sound of him typing on his phone, but his attention drifted back to her almost immediately, the screen’s glow casting a soft light on his face.

"What are you looking at?" she asked, her voice a quiet murmur against his skin, feeling the slow rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek.

Aurélien turned the phone towards her briefly, revealing some article he hadn’t really been focused on. "Just catching up on some news," he replied, setting the phone on the bedside table, as if realizing he didn’t need the distraction.

His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer into the curve of his body. Zuri let out a contented sigh, pressing her lips against his bare shoulder. The steady hum of his breathing relaxed her, but she could feel the slow burn of desire lingering between them, just beneath the surface.

"You’re comfortable?" Aurélien asked softly, his voice now lower, a little rougher, the playfulness from dinner replaced by something deeper.

Zuri shifted against him, looking up into his eyes, catching the way they darkened, watching her. She nodded, the tension in the air palpable now. "I am."

He held her gaze for a moment before leaning in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. His hand slid up her back, caressing her skin through her pajama top. The kiss deepened, and Zuri’s breath caught as she felt the familiar pull, that unmistakable chemistry between them.

Aurélien’s lips trailed away from hers, moving down along her jawline, then lower, to her neck. He kissed the sensitive skin there, soft but insistent, his breath hot against her pulse point. Zuri tilted her head slightly, giving him better access, her fingers threading into his damp curls as she let out a quiet gasp.

"Take this off for me," Aurélien murmured against her neck, his fingers slipping to the hem of her pajama top. His voice was hushed, but there was an undeniable heat in his tone, an urgency.

Aurélien knew about her nipple piercings, but tonight would be the first time he’d actually see them. Without saying a word, she sat up just enough to pull the top over her head, letting it fall to the side. She lay back down, watching his reaction.

His gaze dropped to her chest, and for a moment, he just looked at her, eyes lingering on the small, silver bars that glinted in the dim light. He didn’t speak, but the slow spread of a grin tugged at his lips, his fingers tracing lightly along the curve of her breast before brushing over one of the piercings.

"Damn," he murmured, his thumb grazing the bar. "These suit you." His voice was low, thick with something that made her pulse quicken.

Zuri felt a flush of heat rise in her body, her breathing uneven. "Thought you might like them," she said softly, watching the way his eyes never left her breasts.

Aurélien’s hand cupped her breast, his thumb continuing to toy with the piercing. Then, without another word, he dipped his head, his mouth replacing his hand as he kissed the sensitive skin around the piercing before gently flicking his tongue over the metal. The contrast of the cool bar against the warmth of his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure straight through her.

Zuri gasped softly, her fingers tangling in his hair as he sucked gently, his tongue swirling around her nipple, teasing her. She shuddered under him, her back arching slightly as he kissed and sucked, his other hand coming up to toy with her other breast, thumb brushing over the second piercing in the same slow, deliberate way.

"You look so good like this," Aurélien murmured against her skin before taking her other nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly, his lips and tongue working her over until Zuri was gasping, her body trembling beneath him.

The sensation of his tongue circling her nipple, the teasing pressure, and the cool metal of the piercing heightened everything, making her breath catch in her throat. He was slow, thorough, his lips and hands never missing a beat as he lavished her with attention.

Zuri’s hands roamed over his broad back, pulling him closer, her body aching for him as his mouth worked magic against her skin. Aurélien kissed his way down between her breasts, leaving a trail of warmth before his lips returned to the metal bars, gently tugging them with his teeth, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Can’t stop touching you," Aurélien whispered, his voice thick, rough with want.

Zuri’s breath hitched as Aurélien’s hands roamed lower, igniting every inch of her skin. But when her thigh brushed against his leg, she hesitated, her palm gently resting on his chest, her eyes flickering with concern.

"Your foot," she murmured, fingers grazing his skin, her touch tender. "Are you sure we should keep going?"

Aurélien’s mouth curved into a small, confident smile, his hand settling on her waist. "I’m fine, bébé,” he whispered, his voice smooth yet playful. "But if you’re worried…" He leaned back against the pillows, his gaze steady and full of intent. "I’ve got an idea." His hands slid up her thighs, guiding her to sit up on him. "You on top," he suggested, his voice low as he tugged her closer.

Heat surged through Zuri at his words. The way he lay there, looking up at her with that signature half-smirk, sent her pulse racing. She sat astride him now, her body fitting perfectly against his, the warmth of his hands at her waist grounding her.

“You sure you’re good?” she teased, grinding her hips slowly down on him, feeling the tension ripple through his muscles.

“I’m perfect,” Aurélien groaned, his grip tightening on her waist, urging her to continue. His hands continued lower, pushing at the waistband of her pajama bottoms. “Off,” he muttered, barely breaking contact with her skin. “Take these off for me.”

Zuri lifted herself slightly to shimmy out of her pajamas, tossing them aside, leaving her completely bare. Aurélien’s hands explored her body, his palms rough against her softness, his gaze filled with hunger as he took in every inch of her.

Her hands slid down to his boxers, tugging them down over his hips, revealing the full length of his cock, hard and thick, pressing against his lower stomach. Zuri couldn’t help but stare for a moment, biting her lip at the sight of him. His cock was perfect — smooth, long, with a slight curve that she already knew would drive her wild.

“Fuck,” she breathed, her hand wrapping around him, stroking him slowly. Aurélien moaned at the contact, his hips bucking upwards as she worked her hand up and down his length. The weight of him in her hand felt incredible, and she could feel him twitching under her touch.

Aurélien let out a low growl, his hands sliding up to her hips as he watched her, his pupils blown wide with lust. “I need you, Zuri,” he said, voice low and gravelly. “Get me a condom. It’s in my bag.”

She reached over, her heart pounding, grabbing the condom from his bag. As she ripped it open and rolled it over his cock, Aurélien’s breath hitched, his jaw tightening. “Putain,” he groaned, his voice thick with need, his hands returning to her hips, guiding her as she positioned herself above him. “Put me inside you. Slowly.”

Zuri held him at her entrance, her breath shaky as she sank down, inch by inch, feeling the stretch, the delicious fullness of him. Aurélien’s hands gripped her hips tighter, his lips parting as a string of French curses spilled from him. “Mon Dieu… tu es si serrée… so tight,” he muttered, his accent making the words sound even filthier, sexier.

The sensation of Aurélien filling her made her body hum, and the slickness from her arousal enveloped him easily, suctioning him deeper. She could feel him pulsing as he settled. Her thighs trembled as she adjusted to the feel of him.

Zuri moaned, her hands pressing against his chest as she began to move, slowly rolling her hips against him. Each motion sent sparks of pleasure through her body, and the heat between them intensified. She leaned forward, her lips finding his as she kissed him deeply, the slow grind of her hips against his cock building a steady rhythm.

Aurélien groaned into her mouth, his grip on her tightening as he matched her movements, thrusting up into her. “Fuck, Zuri… faster. Don’t stop,” he rasped. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “Tu es incroyable…”

His dirty talk, the way his hands guided her, mixed with the sensation of him filling her, had Zuri’s head spinning. She rode him faster, her hips rolling harder as the pleasure built between them, every thrust sending waves of heat coursing through her body.

“Fuck….Aurél…..mhmmm,” moaned Zuri just before she let out a whimper.

“Just like that,” Aurélien praised, his head falling back, eyes heavy-lidded as he watched her. “You’re so fucking sexy… tu me rends fou.”

Zuri’s pace quickened, her body moving on instinct now, her hands braced against his chest as her moans grew louder. The friction, the heat, the sound of their bodies moving together — it was all too much. She could feel herself getting closer, her movements becoming more erratic as the pleasure mounted, her breaths coming in short gasps.

“Aurél…..fuck….I’m gonna come, baby.”

Aurélien’s hands slid up to her breasts, his fingers teasing her nipples again, pulling gently on the piercings. The mix of sensations — the pressure between her legs, the teasing of her breasts, and his filthy words in her ear — pushed her over the edge.

“Come for me, baby,” he growled, his hips bucking up into her. “Let me feel it.”

Zuri cried out, her nails digging into his skin as her orgasm crashed over her, her body trembling as she came hard around him. Aurélien groaned, his own release following moments later, his grip on her hips tightening as he thrust up into her one final time.

They stayed like that for a moment, both panting, their bodies slick with sweat, the air between them charged with the intensity of what they’d just shared. Zuri collapsed onto his chest, her breath shaky, her heart pounding in time with his.

Aurélien’s hands slid up her back, his fingers brushing over her bonnet as he kissed her forehead softly. “Mon Dieu,” he muttered again, his voice barely a whisper now, a lazy smile spreading across his lips. “You’re perfect.”

Aurélien stirred awake, stretching slowly as he came to. The warmth of the bed still cradled him, his hand reached over instinctively, landing on the soft sheets beside him where Zuri lay. She was still asleep, her body curled up slightly, her breathing slow and steady. He smiled to himself, eyes tracing the line of her bare back, the curve of her hips, the way the sheet barely covered her.

Her bonnet had slipped off in the night, now lying haphazardly beside her. She had clearly slept well—they both had. The tension that had buzzed between them for weeks had finally cracked wide open last night, leaving them tangled in each other, spent in the best way.

Aurélien propped himself up on one elbow, just watching her for a moment. Her curls, usually tucked under that bonnet, spilled out now in soft waves against the pillow. He let his gaze travel down her body, appreciating every detail—how peaceful she looked in the early light, how content he felt just lying here next to her.

He knew it had been good—better than he’d imagined. He felt it in the way his body was still heavy with satisfaction, in the way his mind drifted back to the moment she had climbed on top of him, the slow, deliberate way they had come together. And now, with the sunlight creeping in, it felt like something had changed between them. Something that had been building for so long, quietly, had finally unfolded.

He didn’t want to wake her. Not yet. He shifted carefully, moving his foot that still ached with a dull throb from the sprain. His muscles were sore, but the stiffness was a reminder of the night they shared. He reached for his phone on the bedside table, his mind already flicking through his day ahead. Foot rehab, maybe a check-in with the coach, but no meetings.

Zuri stirred, a soft sound escaping her lips as she adjusted herself in her sleep, pulling the sheet up over her shoulders. Aurélien smiled to himself again, knowing she must have slept so good after everything. He had, too.

He slid out of bed quietly, finding his sweats on the floor and pulling them on before hopping over to the bathroom. Once he was finished relieving himself and washing his hands, he stood against the doorframe to stare at her once more.

Something about seeing her like this, relaxed and unguarded, made him pause. The night before felt like they had crossed some invisible line they had both been toeing for weeks. He had known it would be good, but this — this was something else.

He ran a hand through his hair and let out a soft sigh. There was something about the way she carried herself, how she didn’t need him, but still let him in. It felt rare, special. He hadn’t expected to feel so… comfortable, like he’d been waiting for this all along.

She shifted again, this time slowly waking. Zuri blinked up at him, her eyes heavy with sleep but a small smile curling at her lips when she saw him standing there.

“Morning,” she murmured, her voice thick with the remnants of a deep sleep.

“Morning, bébé,” he replied, his voice soft. He hobbled back over to the bed, sitting on the edge beside her, his hand reaching out to brush a stray curl from her face.

“You slept good, huh?” he teased, glancing at the bonnet lying nearby.

Zuri chuckled lightly, shifting onto her back as she stretched. “I did, yeah. No thanks to you,” she teased, her voice laced with humor.

Aurélien smirked, leaning down to press a kiss to her shoulder. “No complaints, though?”

“None,” she replied, a sly smile on her lips as she looked up at him.

He exhaled slowly, letting the moment linger between them. He didn’t feel the usual rush, the need to figure out what came next. For once, everything felt just right — they felt right.

Zuri sat up slightly, the sheet falling down to reveal her bare skin, and Aurélien’s eyes darkened with a hint of desire. He could already feel the pull again, the way her presence drew him in, but this morning felt different. Softer. More meaningful.

“You thinking about last night?” Zuri asked, her voice playful as she caught his gaze.

Aurélien chuckled, shaking his head lightly. “Maybe.”

Zuri bit her lip, leaning back on her elbows. “Good. You should be.”

He laughed again, his hand sliding up her side, fingers brushing her ribs. “Trust me, I am.”

For a moment, they just sat there, quiet, soaking in the aftermath of the night they had shared. Aurélien found himself thinking about how easy this felt — how right it all seemed. And for once, he didn’t overthink it. He didn’t feel the need to define it or put it in a box.

"So," Zuri broke the silence, her tone teasing but with a hint of vulnerability, "on a scale of one to 'holy shit,' how much did we just complicate things?"

Aurélien turned to face her fully, his expression a mix of amusement and sincerity. "Honestly? I'm thinking we're somewhere around 'best complication ever.'"

Zuri snorted, but her eyes softened. "Smooth talker. But seriously, Aurél... where do we go from here?"

He reached out, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Wherever we want, ZuZu. But you sure have a lot to say for a woman who’s been moaning my name last night."

Zuri felt her cheeks warm at his implication. "I guess I do," she murmured, leaning into his touch.

"Let me fix that then," he said.

With a swift motion, Aurélien pulled her in closer, leaning down to bridge the distance. He pressed his lips against hers, the kiss slow and deliberate. Despite the ache in his foot, he felt a surge of warmth and desire as he deepened the kiss, savoring the sweet taste of her lips. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him in closer, and the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them locked in this moment.

_______________________________________________

Aurélien lay back in the plush hotel bed, the midday Paris sun filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. His muscles ached, but in the best way, and the steady throb in his foot was a constant reminder of his injury. The crutches leaning against the wall mocked him with their mere presence. His frustration wasn’t just with the pain — he could handle that. It was the way his foot limited him. Normally, he was in control, positioning them however he wanted, guiding their movements, but now, every shift had to be more calculated, and that annoyed him to no end.

And then, there was Zuri.

Her kisses. God, those kisses had always been addictive. He thought he knew how much he loved them before, the way her lips sparked something inside him. But now, after finally being able to make love to her, those kisses had become something else entirely. Each time their bodies came together, the frustration of his injury melted away, replaced by a deep, primal need for her.

He glanced over at her, her body half-covered by the sheets, her skin still glowing from their latest round. They hadn’t been leaving the suite much, except for his rehab sessions at Clairefontaine, and even then, all Aurélien could think about was getting back to her. When they weren’t in bed, they were on the sofa, the bathroom sink, wherever they could find in the suite. "Humping like deranged rabbits," Zuri had once joked with a wicked grin. He hadn’t been able to argue.

It was exhausting, but a workout he couldn’t get enough of. His foot might have limited him in some ways, but hearing her moan his name— scream it, even — made up for every single limitation. Her body seemed made for his, and even with the ache in his foot, he was obsessed with the way they fit together.

Aurélien shifted slightly, adjusting the pillow beneath his injured foot. He’d been going to rehab every afternoon, the trainers at Clairefontaine helping with the swelling and his mobility. He hated being away from Zuri, even for those couple of hours. Time spent icing his foot felt like time wasted — time he could’ve spent tangled up with her.

Zuri stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched with a lazy smile. "Good afternoon again," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep — or maybe from all the times she’d moaned his name earlier.

Aurélien smirked, eyes darkening at the memory. "Afternoon, ma belle," he replied, his voice low. "How are you feeling?"

Zuri let out a soft, contented laugh, pulling the sheet up over her chest. "Exhausted. Sore. But also…" She grinned, biting her lip playfully. "Feeling pretty damn good."

He reached out, brushing his fingers lightly over her arm. "Good. I’m not letting this foot hold me back."

She leaned in, her lips barely touching his. "You haven’t," she whispered before pressing her mouth to his in a soft kiss that quickly deepened. Her body shifted to press against him, and Aurélien groaned softly, his hand moving to the back of her neck to pull her closer.

Even with his limitations, Aurélien couldn’t deny the spark between them. They made it work. More than work. Every kiss, every touch, felt electric.

Zuri pulled back with that mischievous look in her eyes, the one he loved so much. "You’re insatiable, you know that?"

Aurélien chuckled, kissing her hand lightly. "And you love it."

They sat in a comfortable silence, fingers intertwined, just enjoying each other's presence. The intimacy between them felt natural, deepening with every moment they spent together.

A knock on the door eventually broke the quiet, and Zuri slipped out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she padded over to let in the room service. Aurélien watched her, his lips curling into a soft smile. Despite the frustrations of his injury and their limited outings, these moments together felt perfect.

The smell of freshly prepared food filled the room, and as the trays were wheeled in, Zuri glanced back at him, her eyes warm with affection. "Let’s eat. I don’t know about you, but I need to refuel after this morning."

He laughed, shifting slightly to sit up. His foot may have been an obstacle, but with Zuri by his side, even the challenges felt manageable.

Later that evening, after his usual rehab session, Aurélien hobbled back into their suite, crutches tucked under his arms. The rehab sessions were necessary, but god, were they frustrating. He hated how his foot limited him in ways that didn’t seem fair, how he had to be more careful, less free. But Zuri — being back with her made everything better. She never complained, never made him feel like a burden. Instead, she joked and laughed with him, making light of his injury in a way that eased the frustration.

Zuri was curled up on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but when she saw him, her face lit up. "You’re back," she said with a smile.

"Miss me?" he teased, dropping onto the sofa beside her, his crutches clattering against the floor.

"Maybe," she grinned, pulling him into a quick kiss. "How was rehab?"

"Same old. Ice, stretch, repeat," Aurélien groaned, leaning back into the cushions. "But at least now we can get back to more important things."

Zuri laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. "Like pretending we’re going to leave the suite?"

"Exactly." He kissed the top of her head. "Although..." Aurélien trailed off, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

Zuri lifted her head, eyeing him suspiciously. "Although what? I know that look, you're plotting something."

He grinned, not bothering to deny it. "What would you say to actually leaving the suite tonight?"

"What did you have in mind?" Zuri quipped, but her eyes sparkled with interest.

Aurélien shifted, pulling her closer. "Well, there's this little jazz club I know. Nothing fancy, but the music is incredible. Thought we could grab dinner, listen to some tunes. What do you say?"

She pretended to consider for a moment, tapping her chin dramatically. "Hmm, I don't know. Will you be buying me drinks?"

"All night long, ma chérie," he promised, his voice dropping low.

Zuri grinned, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Then you've got yourself—"

Aurélien's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing. "It's my dad."

He answered, speaking in rapid French. "Allô, Papa? Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" (Hello, Dad? What's going on?)

"Aurélien, est-ce que Zuri est avec toi?" (Aurélien, is Zuri with you?)

"Oui, elle est là. Pourquoi?" (Yes, she's here. Why?)

"Mets le haut-parleur, s'il te plaît. C'est important." (Put it on speaker, please. It's important.)

Aurélien complied, switching to speaker mode. His father's voice filled the room, now in English. "Hello, Zuri. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," Zuri replied, confusion evident in her voice. "Is everything okay?"

There was a pause before Fernand continued. "I'm afraid I have some… unsettling news. Zuri, your father is attempting to end the arranged marriage."

The words hung in the air, heavy and shocking. Zuri's eyes widened, her gaze snapping to Aurélien's equally stunned face.

"Can he do that?" Zuri asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Not without a serious reason," Fernand explained. "But he's implying that Aurélien is… mistreating you."

"What?" Aurélien and Zuri exclaimed in unison.

"That's not true at all," Zuri insisted, her hand finding Aurélien's almost instinctively.

"We know," Fernand assured them. "The rest of the family agrees. It's clear this accusation is baseless. But Zuri, you'll need to talk to your father. Clear things up."

They talked for a few more minutes, discussing potential next steps before hanging up. The silence that followed was deafening.

Zuri stared at the phone in Aurélien's hand, her mind racing. "I can't believe this," she muttered, shaking her head. "What the hell is my dad thinking?"

Aurélien set the phone down, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, ma chérie. But we'll figure it out."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "You want to figure it out? I mean, I know this whole thing wasn't exactly your choice…"

Aurélien's brow furrowed. "Zuri, I—"

"No, let me finish," she interrupted, holding up a hand. "I know you didn't ask for this. Hell, neither of us did. But I thought… I mean, these past few weeks…"

Aurélien reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "ZuZu, listen to me. Yeah, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of marrying a stranger. But you?" He shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You're not a stranger anymore. And I'm not about to let you go that easily."

Zuri's breath caught in her throat. "Really?"

"Really," he confirmed, leaning in to press his forehead against hers. "We're in this together, remember?"

A small laugh escaped her. "Yeah, I remember. God, what a mess."

"Maybe," Aurélien agreed, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. "But it's our mess. And I kind of like it."

Zuri smiled, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "Me too. So what now?"

Aurélien straightened up, a determined look in his eyes. "Now? We fight for us. Starting with a call to your dad."

As Zuri nodded, reaching for her phone, Aurélien couldn't help but marvel at how quickly things had changed. A few weeks ago, he'd been dreading this arranged marriage. Now? Now he couldn't imagine his life without Zuri in it. And he'd be damned if he let anyone, even her father, take that away from them.

TO BE CONTINUED……

[emjayewrites]

Aurélien & ZuZu (Zuri)….fouled by fate ✨ ♾️

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (1/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. Also, a surprise mention in this chapter that links to another story!

The Madrid sun blazed relentlessly as Aurélien jogged across the training pitch, his head pounding with each step. The air hummed with the rhythmic thud of cleats striking balls and the sharp whistles of Coach Ancelotti directing drills. Aurélien grimaced. Last night's tequila shots at Goya Social Club were exacting their revenge.

Whoever invented tequila deserved a special place in hell.

"Bloody hell, he's trying to kill us," Jude Bellingham panted, falling into step beside Aurélien. "You holdin' up alright, mate? You look proper rough."

Aurélien grinned weakly at his teammate's distinctive Brummie accent. "I'm starting to think I should've stayed my ass in bed."

Eduardo Camavinga joined them, looking annoyingly fresh-faced. "What's this? The great Tchouaméni can't handle a little heat and a few drinks?"

"A few?" Aurélien scoffed. "I'm pretty sure I drank half of Mexico last night. Unlike some lightweights who bailed early," he added, eyeing Camavinga pointedly.

They paused near the sidelines, grabbing water bottles from the cooler. Jude took a long swig before turning to Aurélien, his expression softening.

"How're you really doing, though? With everything coming up next month?"

Aurélien's smile faltered slightly. "It’s… whatever. Not trying to dwell on it."

Camavinga clapped a supportive hand on his shoulder. "The arranged marriage, right? Your old man still pushing ahead?"

"Yeah," Aurélien sighed, his casual facade slipping a bit. "It’s a done deal. My fiancée and her family are arriving next month."

Jude shook his head, whistling low. "That’s a lot, mate. And you don’t even know her?"

"Not a clue," Aurélien confirmed. "Dad’s got it all arranged with her family. They even got the blessing from the elders back in Cameroon, but it's mainly my dad driving this whole thing."

"No wonder you've been living it up lately," Camavinga said, his tone sympathetic. "Fuck, I'd be drowning in women too if I knew I was being forced into a random marriage."

"You would've been if you hadn't ghosted us like that," Aurélien retorted. "I'm tired of planning stuff and you back out last minute, bro."

Jude nodded, his face brightening. "Speaking of hanging out, Lila's planning to visit soon. She's keen to catch up with everyone."

Aurélien managed a genuine smile at that. "That's great; it'll be good to see her again." He shook his head in disbelief, still amazed at how Jude had managed to snag Lewis Hamilton's little sister. The young Englishman's charm seemed to know no bounds. "How'd you swing that again?" he teased. "I still can't believe you're dating her. Talk about punching above your weight."

Jude grinned, a hint of pride in his eyes. "What can I say? The Bellingham charm is irresistible."

Camavinga snorted, nudging Jude's shoulder. "Yeah, right. And I'm the King of France."

As they bantered, Aurélien's mind wandered. He thought about the countless nights he'd spent clubbing, the endless amount of pussy, and the carefree laughter shared with teammates. All soon to be replaced by... what? Family dinners and couple's game nights? Sure he loved his family, especially his young siblings, Anne-Maïsha and Yannis, but settling down at twenty-four years of age seems blasphemous. The thought of being married was almost as nauseating as his hangover.

His phone buzzed in his bag - probably another message from his father, Fernand. The reality of his situation was closing in, and Aurélien couldn't help but feel a mix of resignation and resentment. He'd always known this day might come, but the speed at which it was approaching left him reeling.

They continued their training, and Aurélien tried to focus on the present. The feel of the grass beneath his feet, the burn in his muscles as he stretched, the familiar banter with his teammates. But his thoughts kept drifting to his unknown fiancée. Would she laugh at his jokes? Would she understand the offsides rule? Would she realize she was marrying a man whose idea of cooking was not burning toast? Would they even like each other?

An hour or so later, training was over for the day, and he hit the showers. By the time he stepped out onto the parking lot, he was back in his zone. The sun was still blazing as evening slowly drifted on, but he didn't mind. Sliding into his ride—a sleek, black Porsche 911 Turbo S—he let out a long breath. The leather seats felt cool against his skin as he sank into them, and the engine roared to life with a low, satisfying growl.

Aurélien pulled out his phone, noticing the missed calls from his father. He hesitated, then tapped the number and brought the phone to his ear. The call connected almost immediately.

"Ouais, Papa? (Yeah, Dad?)"

"Aurélien, enfin! Où es-tu? (Aurélien, finally! Where are you?)"

Aurélien sucked his teeth, glancing out at the sun-soaked training grounds. "Je viens de finir l'entraînement. Qu'est-ce qu'il y a? (I just finished training. What's up?)"

His father's voice took on a more urgent tone. "Va à l'aéroport. Ta femme arrive aujourd'hui. (Go to the airport. Your wife is arriving today.)"

Aurélien's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he frowned in disbelief. "Aujourd'hui? Mais pourquoi si tôt? (Today? But why so soon?)"

There was a brief pause before his father answered. "Elle a terminé ses études plus tôt que prévu, et elle commence à décrocher des contrats… tu sais, avec son Instagram. (She graduated early and she's starting to land some contracts… you know, with her Instagram.)"

Instagram? Aurélien blinked, trying to process what he'd just heard. The sarcasm practically dripped from his mind. Great. I'm marrying an IG hoe.

He sighed, running a hand over his face. "D'accord, j'y vais. (Alright, I'm on my way.)"

"Merci, fils. Sois gentil avec elle. (Thank you, son. Be nice to her.)"

Aurélien let out a dry chuckle as he hung up, shaking his head. Be nice? He didn't even know this girl, let alone how to be nice to her. As he shifted the Porsche into gear and pulled out of the lot, his thoughts drifted back to his unknown fiancée. Would she be another high-maintenance Instagram model obsessed with followers and brand deals? He smirked to himself. He'd seen enough of those in his life already.

But there was nothing to do now but go pick her up and see for himself. Maybe she'd take one look at him and decide she could do better after all. A man could dream, right?

Zuri fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting around the crowded airport pick-up station. She had no idea who she was looking for, which only added to the anxiety bubbling in her chest. Her father had given her little to go on, vague descriptions and the promise that she would "know him when she saw him." But how was she supposed to recognize a man she’d never met?

Then, out of the sea of people, she spotted him. A tall, broad-shouldered man with an air of effortless confidence, moving through the crowd as if he owned the place. His smooth, dark brown skin and muscled frame hugged his designer tracksuit perfectly, and his piercing eyes seemed to notice everything around him. Zuri's breath caught in her throat as he approached.

His gaze settled on her with a mix of curiosity and certainty. He stopped just in front of her, towering over her, and offered a polite nod.

"You wouldn’t happen to be the daughter of Ernest Awanto Nchang, would you?" he asked, his voice rich and smooth, though there was a hint of dryness in his tone.

Zuri blinked, momentarily taken aback by his handsomeness and the way his curly taper fade complemented his angular facial features. "Yes, I am," she replied cautiously. He then began to ramble off in rapid French, and Zuri failed miserably at trying to catch up. "Um, I'm sorry, I don't speak French that well."

His eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah, my bad. I'm Aurélien."

She nodded, offering a small smile. "Zuri. Nice to meet you."

As they collected her luggage - all five suitcases of it - Aurélien couldn't help but suck his teeth. "Damn, girl, did you pack your entire house?" he muttered.

"I didn't know how long I'd be staying," Zuri bristled as she followed Aurélien to the parking lot, her eyes widening slightly when she saw the sleek, black car parked in front of them.

A Porsche? Nice.

The car was immaculate, with gleaming chrome accents and tinted windows that added an extra layer of mystery. When Aurélien unlocked it with a casual click of his key fob, she couldn’t help but admire the luxury of it all. She slid into the passenger seat, and her fingers brushed against the soft, peanut butter leather that lined the interior. The seats were plush and cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the tension radiating off Aurélien as he settled in behind the wheel after packing her luggage in the trunk. The scent of expensive cologne and leather filled the air, making the space feel even more intimate and imposing.

The drive began in uncomfortable silence, the only sound coming from the hum of the engine and the occasional click of the turn signal. After a few minutes, Aurélien finally broke the silence, his voice laced with dry humor. "You know, you weren’t supposed to arrive until next month."

Zuri didn’t miss the underlying irritation in his tone. She glanced over at him, her defenses kicking in immediately. "I’m sorry for ruining your plans," she shot back, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Aurélien’s lips twitched slightly, the hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, surprised by her sass. "Why the sudden change?"

Zuri sighed. "I graduated early from university. My father and I weren't seeing eye to eye about my career plans. He wants me to get a 'real job'," she air-quoted, "instead of pursuing my influencer work. So he decided to ship me off to Madrid, figuring my 'husband'," another air quote, "would straighten me out."

Aurélien couldn't help but laugh. "Gotta love African parents, huh?"

"Yeah," Zuri snorted. "By the way, how do you pronounce your name again? Or-ree-lee-en?"

"Aw-reh-lee-an," he corrected. "And yours is Zoo-ree, right?"

"Close. It's more like Zu-ree. Short 'u' sound."

They pulled up to a modern, spacious house with large windows and a manicured lawn. As they entered, they were greeted by an energetic German Shepherd puppy.

"Zeus, down boy," Aurélien commanded, but the dog was too excited by the new arrival.

Zuri shrieked and jumped back as Zeus bounded towards her.

Aurélien's lips contorted into a teasing grin. "Don't tell me you're scared of a little puppy?"

"He's not little!" Zuri protested, eyeing the dog warily.

"He's only a year old," Aurélien chuckled, picking up Zeus easily, as if the dog barely weighed anything at all. "See? Harmless."

Zuri didn't look convinced, but she tentatively reached out to pet Zeus's head. The dog immediately licked her hand, causing her to giggle despite herself.

Aurélien watched the exchange, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Looks like Zeus likes you already," he remarked, setting the dog back down on the floor. Zeus trotted off, seemingly satisfied with the introduction.

"Come on," Aurélien said, gesturing for her to follow him. "I’ll show you around."

The house was as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. Modern and spacious, with clean lines and tasteful décor that spoke of understated luxury. Aurélien led her through the open-plan living area, pointing out the key features as they went.

"This is the living room," he said, nodding toward the large sectional sofa and the wall-mounted TV that dominated one side of the space. "The kitchen’s over there, fully stocked. Dining area’s next to it if you’re into that."

Zuri trailed behind him, taking in the high ceilings and the large windows that bathed the room in natural light. Everything looked like it had been carefully curated, from the abstract art on the walls to the sleek, polished surfaces that gleamed under the light.

He led her down a hallway, past a few closed doors, and stopped in front of one. "Here’s your room," he said, pushing the door open to reveal a well-appointed guest room. It was cozy, with a queen-sized bed covered in crisp white sheets, a matching dresser, and a small seating area by the window.

"The bed’s already made up, but if you need extra sheets or towels, they’re in the closet here," Aurélien added, opening a nearby door to show her where everything was neatly stored.

Zuri nodded, still a little overwhelmed by the situation. "It’s really nice, thank you."

Aurélien shrugged as if it was no big deal. "My chef usually comes in every other day around two to fill up the fridge, so if you’re hungry, just look there."

Zuri raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do you ever cook for yourself?"

Aurélien let out a short laugh. "Nah," he replied, shaking his head. "Not really my thing. Oh, yeah, I’m usually out early and back late, so don’t wait up for me. It’s cool to eat without me."

Zuri wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she just nodded.

"Well, I’ll let you settle in," Aurélien said, giving Zeus a quick pat before heading toward the door. "Zeus and I are gonna give you some space. If you need anything, just let me know."

With that, he left her alone in the guest room, the door clicking shut behind him. Zuri stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The reality of her situation was slowly sinking in—she was in a foreign country, in a stranger’s house, with a man she barely knew, and would soon be in a marriage she hadn’t chosen.

She tried to keep a straight face, to be strong like she always was, but the fear and uncertainty were overwhelming. Her hands trembled slightly as she sat down on the edge of the bed, the softness of the sheets offering little comfort. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed, but the tears came anyway, slipping down her cheeks before she could stop them.

Zuri quickly wiped them away, frustrated with herself for breaking down so easily. She’d worked so hard to build her life, her career, her brand as an influencer. She was known for her confidence, her style, her ability to navigate the fast-paced world of social media with ease. But now, all of that seemed so far away. Her home was in New York, where she knew the streets, the people, the culture. And now, here she was, starting over in Spain—a place she’d only ever visited on a few short trips to Europe.

How was she supposed to navigate this? She could barely understand her parents’ home language of French, and now she was expected to learn Spanish too? The thought was daunting, and for a moment, she felt utterly lost.

Aurélien paused outside the guest room door, his hand hovering over the handle. He could hear Zuri's muffled sobs from the other side, and a twinge of guilt twisted in his stomach. He'd never been good with crying women - it always made him feel awkward and out of his depth. His ex-girlfriends had often complained about his tendency to shut down or retreat when emotions ran high.

He sighed, running a hand over his face. Part of him wanted to go in there, to try and comfort her somehow. But what would he even say? 'Sorry your dad shipped you off to marry a stranger'? Yeah, that would go over well.

Despite his discomfort, Aurélien couldn't help but think about how beautiful Zuri was. Her umber skin was flawless, smooth, and rich like polished mahogany. Her full lips, high cheekbones, and almond-shaped eyes gave her an almost regal appearance. And her hair - a mass of springy curls that framed her face perfectly. She was stunning, no doubt about it.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Jules Koundé:

"Hey man, just landed in Madrid. Still good for me to crash at your place?"

Aurélien winced. Fuck. With Zuri's unexpected arrival, he'd completely forgotten about Jules' visit. He quickly typed out a reply:

"Slight change of plans. The fiancée arrived early. Mind staying at a hotel instead?"

Jules' response came moments later:

"No worries, bro. Hotel might be better anyway - more privacy for bringing back some señoritas, if you know what I mean 😉"

Aurélien chuckled, but then paused. Could he still do that? Bring back hookups? Technically, Zuri was his fiancée now, but it's not like they were going to have a loving marriage. Maybe they could come to some sort of agreement - you have your side pieces, I have mine, just keep it out of the media?

He shook his head. That sounded grim, even to him. But wasn't that the reality of their situation?

Thirty minutes later, Aurélien met up with Jules at a trendy bar in downtown Madrid. The two friends dapped each other, slipping easily into rapid French.

"Mon frère, ça fait trop longtemps! (My brother, it's been too long!)" Jules grinned.

"Je sais, je sais," (I know, I know,) Aurélien replied, signaling the bartender for two beers. "Mec, tu ne croiras jamais ce qui s'est passé aujourd'hui. (Dude, you won't believe what happened today.)"

As they settled into a corner booth, Aurélien recounted the day's events - Zuri's unexpected arrival, the awkward drive home, her fear of Zeus.

"Elle est comment? (What's she like?): Jules asked, leaning in with interest.

Aurélien took a long swig of his beer before answering. "Belle. Vraiment belle. Mais aussi... je ne sais pas. Perdue? Effrayée? Je l'ai entendue pleurer dans sa chambre. (Beautiful. Really beautiful. But also... I don't know. Lost? Scared? I heard her crying in her room.)"

Jules whistled low. "Merde, c'est dur. Qu'est-ce que tu vas faire? (Shit, that's rough. What are you going to do?)"

Aurélien shrugged, feeling helpless. "Je ne sais pas, mec. Je ne sais vraiment pas. (I don't know, man. I really don't know.)"

Aurélien and Jules continued their night, moving from the bar to a pulsing nightclub. The bass throbbed through the air as they made their way to the VIP section, immediately drawing attention from the other patrons.

Two women approached them, exuding confidence with every step. The taller one, with sleek box braids cascading down her back, sidled up to Jules, while her friend, with her hair styled in loose waves and curves that her dress hugged perfectly, set her sights on Aurélien.

"You look like you could use some company," the woman with the braids said in accented English, her dark eyes locked on Jules. "You want to dance?"

Jules smiled coolly, already angling towards the dance floor with his companion. "Sounds good to me. Aurélien?"

Aurélien watched his friend smoothly lead his dance partner away before turning his attention back to the woman before him. She was stunning, her skin a rich, deep brown that seemed to glow under the club lights.

"I'm Lia," she said, leaning in close to be heard over the music. "And you are…?"

"Aurélien," he replied, his eyes appreciatively taking in her features. He knew exactly where this was heading, and a part of him hesitated. The image of Zuri, alone and crying in his guest room, flashed through his mind.

But then Lia's hand was on his arm, her touch warm and inviting, and he found himself leaning into it. Didn't he deserve one last night of freedom before diving into this arranged marriage mess?

"So, Aurélien," Lia's voice pulled him back to the present. "What brings you out tonight? Celebrating something?"

Aurélien chuckled, a hint of irony lacing his words. "You could say that. Let's just say I'm trying to… clear my head."

Lia tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? And how's that working out for you?"

Aurélien’s gaze lingered on her, sliding from her eyes to her full lips, then lower, drinking in every curve with deliberate intent. "I think it's starting to help," he murmured, his voice low and thick with suggestion.

Lia’s lips curled into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with intrigue. She stepped closer, closing the distance between them until their bodies were nearly touching. "Is that so?" she teased, her tone laced with challenge.

Aurélien leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Why don't we find somewhere more private?" His hand brushed her waist, fingers skimming the fabric of her dress.

Lia didn’t hesitate. She got up from her seat, leading him out of the VIP section through a dimly lit hallway and into a nearby storage room. It was cramped and cluttered, but it provided the seclusion they needed.

Once inside, Aurélien wasted no time. He pressed Lia against the wall, his hands gripping her hips as he pulled her close. Their lips met in a heated kiss, all hunger and need, as their bodies moved together in a feverish rhythm. His hands roamed over her curves, exploring every inch as she eagerly responded, her fingers threading through his hair.

The kiss broke, and Lia dropped to her knees, her eyes locking with his as she unbuttoned his pants. Aurélien's breath caught as she freed him, her hand wrapping around his thick length. His cock was long and veined, the skin taut and smooth, with a slight curve that Lia seemed to appreciate. She took him into her mouth, her lips stretching around him as she began to work him over with slow, deliberate strokes of her tongue.

Aurélien groaned, one hand resting on the back of her head as she took him deeper, her tongue swirling around the head of his cock before sliding down his shaft. Lia knew exactly what she was doing, her movements expertly designed to drive him wild. Her slurping sounds filled the small room, a wet, rhythmic symphony that matched the pulse of his desire.

He hated that he was here, in some grimy storage room at a club, getting his dick sucked like this. It felt beneath him, almost disrespectful to himself, but he couldn’t deny how badly he needed this distraction. The tension, the frustration, all of it melted away with each skilled flick of Lia’s tongue, each tight, wet pull of her mouth.

But even as his body responded, his mind wandered. Thoughts of Zuri crept in, uninvited, disrupting his focus. He imagined her face, the way she looked at him earlier with a mix of uncertainty and defiance. He could almost hear her voice, questioning what the hell he was doing. The thought made him grit his teeth, annoyed at himself for letting her into his head at a moment like this.

Lia's pace quickened, her mouth moving faster, more desperate to push him over the edge. Aurélien let out a low growl, trying to banish the thoughts of Zuri from his mind as he focused on the warmth of Lia's mouth, the tight suction that was driving him closer to release. He tightened his grip on her hair, thrusting deeper into her throat, the need for release overriding everything else.

Finally, with a rough groan, Aurélien came, his body shuddering as he spilled into Lia’s mouth. She took it all, swallowing greedily as he rode out his climax, her lips still wrapped around him until he was spent.

When it was over, Lia slowly pulled back, wiping the corner of her mouth with a satisfied smirk. Aurélien leaned against the wall, catching his breath, his mind already turning back to the reality he was trying to escape.

"Needed that," he muttered, his voice rough.

Lia stood, straightening her dress as she shot him a playful look. "Anytime," she teased, giving him a light tap on the chest before standing up to her full height. "Y'know that was only a preview right?"

Aurélien adjusted his clothes, feeling the weight of everything settling back on his shoulders. "I know, but I'm fine with that preview."

"You sure?"

"100%," he said, deftly ignoring the pout on her lips. "Thank you."

Lia shrugged as she fixed her dress, "You're welcome, I guess."

This had been a temporary distraction, nothing more. As he exited the storage room, his thoughts were already drifting back to Zuri and the mess he knew was waiting for him.

Should've kept my dick in my pants.

Aurélien felt surprisingly guilty as he made his way back to the main area of the club, spotting Jules near the exit with Lia's friend. The two men approached each other, exchanging a quick dap.

"Heading out?" Aurélien asked, eyeing the woman waiting with Jules.

Jules grinned, "Yeah, man. You good?"

Aurélien nodded despite his slight uneasiness, "All good. See you tomorrow?"

"For sure. Later, bro."

With a final fist bump, they parted ways. Aurélien watched them leave before calling for his own ride home.

The house was dark when he arrived, save for the flickering light of the TV in the living room. As he approached, Zeus lifted his head from the couch, tail wagging slightly at the sight of his owner.

"Hey, boy," Aurélien whispered, moving closer. That's when he noticed Zuri, curled up on the couch next to Zeus, fast asleep.

A small smile tugged at his lips. He'd have to tease her tomorrow about cozying up to the dog she was so afraid of earlier. Quietly, he retrieved a blanket from a nearby chair and gently draped it over her sleeping form.

As he leaned in, he couldn't help but notice the dried tear tracks on her cheeks. The sight sobered him instantly, reminding him of the reality of their situation.

"We're both fucked, huh sweetheart?" he murmured, more to himself than to her or Zeus.

With a sigh, he turned off the TV and headed upstairs. In his room, he shed his clothes, the scent of the club – and Lia – still clinging to him. As he stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him, his mind raced.

This arranged marriage... it wasn't what either of them wanted. But it was their reality now. As the water ran cold, Aurélien couldn't shake the feeling that his life had irrevocably changed. The carefree bachelor was gone, and in its place? A reluctant husband? A man trapped in a loveless marriage?

As he climbed into bed, exhaustion finally overtaking him, his last thought before drifting off was of Zuri's tear-stained face. Whatever happened next, he realized, they were in this together.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (3/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. Also, a surprise mention in this chapter that links to another story!

Aurélien's fingers danced across the piano keys, the melody of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major filling the study. It was the night before their trip to Poland, and he found himself seeking solace in the familiar notes.

The past week had been… interesting, to say the least. He and Zuri had fallen into a sort of routine, sharing meals when his training schedule allowed, and watching movies and true crime documentaries in the evening. They'd even managed a few genuine conversations, tiptoeing around the elephant in the room that was their impending marriage.

But lately, Aurélien had noticed a change in Zuri. She'd become more withdrawn, her usual sass replaced by a melancholy he couldn't quite understand. He'd catch her staring off into space, her phone clutched tightly in her hand as if it were a lifeline to a world she'd left behind.

As he transitioned into a softer passage, a raised voice from the next room cut through the music. Aurélien's hands stilled on the keys, his brow furrowing as he listened.

"Papa, please…" Zuri's voice, muffled but clearly distressed.

The responding male voice was loud enough for Aurélien to hear clearly, even through the wall. "You need to take this seriously, Zuri! This isn't some game!"

Aurélien felt his jaw clench. He'd never heard Zuri's father before, but the man's tone made something protective stir in his chest.

"I am taking it seriously!" Zuri shot back, her voice cracking slightly. "You're the one who threw me into this situation!"

"We've been over this. It's for your own good. For the family's good."

Aurélien sat frozen at the piano, feeling like an intruder but unable to move. Was this why Zuri had been so down lately? How long had these arguments been going on?

He thought back to his loft bedroom, realizing with a start that he wouldn't have been able to hear these conversations from up there. Had Zuri been dealing with this pressure alone all this time?

The argument continued, Zuri's responses becoming shorter, more defeated. Aurélien's hands hovered over the keys, itching to drown out the harsh words with music, to offer some kind of shelter from the storm raging next door.

He exhaled slowly, his mind racing. Tomorrow, they'd be in Poland. Away from the pressure of family, of expectations. Maybe it would give them both a chance to breathe, to figure out what they really wanted from this arrangement.

"You're being stupid, Zuri! I need you to understand what this means for you as well. You lack discipline; how can you go to university for all those years and then be so reckless to throw it away?!"

Deeming he heard enough, Aurélien stood abruptly, his decision made before he could second-guess himself. He strode into Zuri's room, barely registering her shocked expression as he plucked the phone from her hand.

"Monsieur," he said smoothly into the phone, his French crisp and authoritative. "C'est Aurélien. Zuri va très bien, vous devez vous détendre. (Sir, this is Aurélien. Zuri is doing great.)"

Zuri's father sputtered on the other end, caught off guard by the unexpected interruption. Aurélien continued the conversation, his tone firm but respectful, reassuring the older man about their situation. After a few minutes, he ended the call with a polite "Au revoir" and placed the phone on Zuri's dresser.

He turned to face Zuri, who was staring at him with a mix of surprise and something that might have been gratitude. "How long has this been happening?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Zuri shrugged, trying for nonchalance but failing. "It's not a big deal. He's just… worried."

"Is he usually like this?" Aurélien pressed, feeling a surge of protectiveness.

"Sometimes," Zuri admitted, her eyes downcast.

Aurélien stepped closer, his jaw clenching. "I don't like him talking to you like that. If it happens again, I might have to punch him in the mouth."

Zuri's eyes widened at his words, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.

"Come here," Aurélien said, opening his arms slightly. Zuri hesitated, her stubbornness kicking in. Aurélien's eyebrow raised. "Don't make me say it again."

With a sigh that was more for show than anything, Zuri stood and stepped into his embrace. The hug was awkward at first, but as Zuri relaxed into it, Aurélien found himself breathing in her scent. She smelled like coconut and something spicy - cinnamon, maybe?

As they pulled apart, Aurélien asked, "So, how are your brand deals going?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I… kind of took a break from influencing."

Aurélien frowned. "You don't have to do that. You can post, just keep our relationship under wraps for now. I'll talk to my PR team about how to handle it."

"Really?" Zuri's face lit up. "Can I post about Poland?"

Aurélien thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Yeah," he said. "Don't want your followers to think you're dead in a ditch or something."

Zuri laughed, the sound genuine and warm. Aurélien found himself smiling in response, the tension from earlier dissipating.

"Get some sleep," he said, heading towards the door. "We've got an early flight."

Aurélien was almost out the door when he heard Zuri's whispered "Thank you." He turned to see a lone tear sliding down her cheek.

"No problem, ma chérie," he replied softly, then froze. Sweetheart? Where the fuck did that come from? He closed the door quickly, his mind reeling. "Allez, Zeus," he called, desperate for a distraction. The dog padded after him as he headed upstairs.

In the bathroom, Aurélien cranked the shower to its hottest setting, letting the scalding water pound against his still-aching muscles. He needed to clear his head, to make sense of this slowly but surely growing attraction to Zuri.

And her father... Christ. The man's bullheadedness reminded Aurélien of his own father, minus the yelling. No wonder the two had been best mates in school. Both pushing relentlessly for their children's success, consequences be damned.

Aurélien had gotten the brunt of it as the eldest, but he could only imagine how Zuri had it. His father had mentioned once that she was the youngest and only girl. That couldn't have been easy.

Stepping out of the shower into the steam-filled bathroom, Aurélien wrapped a towel around his waist and padded to his bedroom. He flopped onto the bed, grabbing his phone and opening Instagram almost on autopilot.

Zuri's profile popped up in his suggestions. Without overthinking it, he hit the follow button.

His eyes drifted to the packed bags in the corner of the room. Tomorrow would bring... what? A new challenge? A chance to figure this mess out?

With a sigh, Aurélien shut off the lights. Zeus hopped up, curling against his side. As sleep began to claim him, Aurélien's last coherent thought was of Zuri's smile when he'd said she could post again.

I'm so fucked...

Zuri sat cross-legged on the hotel bed, her fingers flying across her phone screen. The familiar rush of crafting the perfect post filled her with a sense of normalcy she hadn't felt in weeks. She hit 'share' and watched as the likes and comments immediately started rolling in.

A smile tugged at her lips. God, she'd missed this. The break had been necessary, sure, but coming back felt like slipping into a favorite pair of jeans. Comfortable. Right.

Her DMs were already filling up with brand deal inquiries. The New York market had been good to her, but now... Now she had a whole new city to explore, new trends to set, new stories to tell. The possibilities made her head spin in the best way possible.

As she scrolled, her mind drifted to Aurélien. Their... arrangement (she still struggled to find the right word for it) was as unclear as ever. But the way he'd handled her father... Zuri felt a warmth bloom in her lower regions at the memory. No one had ever stood up to him like that before, not even her mother. Whatever Aurélien wanted, she'd happily give it to him on a silver platter for that alone.

She made a mental note to research Madrid's influencer scene when they got back. New city, new strategies. But for now, she was in Poland, and there was content to be made.

The knock on her door startled her out of her planning. She wasn't expecting anyone - Aurélien was at a team dinner, and she'd appreciated the space, even if a small part of her missed his presence.

Opening the door revealed a familiar face, though not the one she'd been half-expecting. Lila Hamilton stood there, all 5'3" of her radiating effortless cool. The famous fashion designer, model, and younger sister of the greatest motorsport driver alive was standing outside her door. Her light brown skin glowed under the hallway lights, and her normally curly hair was styled in intricate goddess braids.

Ho-ly shit! What the hell is my life?!

Pushing her inner fangirl aside, she gave Lila a smile. "H-Hey."

"Surprise!" Lila grinned, pushing past Zuri into the room. "Aurel thought you could use some company."

As they settled on the couch, chatting and laughing, Zuri felt some of the tension she'd been carrying melt away.

Lila's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, Jude told me about your situation with Aurélien. How are you holding up?"

Zuri sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's... a lot. I mean, one minute I'm in New York, the next I'm in Madrid with a fiancé I barely know."

Lila nodded sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. But hey, at least Aurélien's a decent guy, right? Jude speaks so highly of him."

"He is," Zuri admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He's been... surprisingly understanding about everything."

"That's good," Lila said, her tone softening. "You know, Jude mentioned that Aurélien seems different lately. In a good way. Maybe this arrangement isn't so bad after all?"

Before Zuri could respond, another knock interrupted their chat. This time, it was Aurélien.

"Hey, Aurélien," Lila said, standing to give him a quick hug.

"Hey, Li," he greeted with a small smile. "Jude's looking for you, by the way."

Lila rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course he is. You'd think he'd have better things to do than worry about where I am."

Aurélien smirked. "You'd think."

"Alright, I'm out. Z, see you tomorrow at the game," Lila said.

As the door closed behind Lila, leaving Aurélien and Zuri alone, the air seemed to shift. Aurélien gestured to the couch. "Mind if I...?"

Zuri shook her head, scooting over to make room. As he sat, she caught a whiff of his cologne - spicy and warm.

"So," Aurélien started, his voice low. "About next month, when our parents visit..."

Zuri felt her stomach clench. Right. Reality. She nodded slowly, her fingers absently playing with the hem of her shirt. "Right. Next month."

Aurélien leaned back, his arm draped casually over the back of the couch. "I was thinking," he started, his eyes meeting hers, "maybe we should come up with a game plan. You know, figure out how we want to handle things."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "A game plan? For our arranged marriage?"

A small smile tugged at Aurélien's lips. "When you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous."

"That's because it is ridiculous," Zuri said, but there was no bite to her words.

Aurélien nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Look, I know this isn't ideal for either of us. But we're in this situation now, and I think... I think we could make it work. If we're on the same page."

Zuri studied him for a moment, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well," Aurélien said, shifting slightly to face her better, "for starters, I think we should be honest with each other. About our expectations, our boundaries, all of it."

Zuri felt something in her chest loosen at his words. "I'd like that," she admitted softly.

"And about your work," Aurélien continued, "I meant what I said. I don't want you to give up your career for this. We'll figure out how to make it work with the PR team."

Zuri blinked, surprised by his support. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aurélien's hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We're partners in this, Zuri. Whatever happens, we face it together. Okay?"

As Zuri looked at him, she felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the room temperature. "Okay," she agreed, a small smile forming on her lips.

Aurélien cleared his throat, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting hers again. "There's also the matter of... living arrangements."

Zuri felt her heart skip a beat. "Oh?"

"I mean, eventually, we'll need to share a room," he said, his voice low. "For appearances, if nothing else."

Zuri couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips, feeling her cheeks warm. "Right. Appearances."

Aurélien's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "And then there's the matter of... you know."

"Sex?" Zuri supplied, her voice higher than usual.

Aurélien nodded, his tongue darting out his mouth to lick his bottom lip. "Yeah, that."

They both burst into laughter, the tension breaking.

"And kids?" Zuri asked, once they'd calmed down.

Aurélien's expression softened. "I'd like at least one, eventually. You?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I hadn't really thought about it. I mean, I'm only 24. Having a baby now seems... crazy."

"Yeah, of course. There's no rush," Aurélien assured her quickly. "We've got time."

As if on cue, Zuri's stomach growled loudly. Aurélien grinned, reaching for the room service menu. "Hungry?"

They ordered room service - a juicy burger with truffle fries for Aurélien and a Caesar salad with grilled chicken for Zuri. As they settled in to watch an episode of a true crime documentary, Zuri couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable this felt. Just days ago, they were strangers thrust into an impossible situation. Now, here they were, sharing a meal and casual conversation like old friends.

As they ate, Aurélien mentioned tomorrow's game.

"You're going to learn about football whether you like it or not," he teased, popping a fry into his mouth.

Zuri smirked, spearing a piece of chicken with her fork. "Maybe I should just watch Ted Lasso instead."

Aurélien's eyes narrowed playfully. "Don't play with me, ZuZu."

The nickname sent a jolt through Zuri, her mind going into overdrive. ZuZu? When did that happen? And why did it make her heart flutter?

As they continued watching, Zuri found her thoughts drifting. Their conversation earlier about honesty, expectations, and boundaries echoed in her mind. It was surreal how quickly things were progressing, how easily they seemed to be falling into a rhythm. Part of her wanted to resist, to remind herself that this was still an arranged marriage, still not what she'd chosen for herself. But another part - a growing part - was starting to wonder if should just see where things could go with Aurélien.

After three episodes, Aurélien eventually stood to leave, stretching as he did. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of toned abs that made Zuri's mouth go dry. All thoughts of resistance fled her mind at the sight.

"See you tomorrow?" he asked, oblivious to the effect he was having on her.

"Y-yes," Zuri managed, her eyes still fixed on his midsection.

"Goodnight, ma chérie," Aurélien said softly, before heading out.

Once she was all by herself, Zuri flopped back onto the couch, one hand clutching at her chest dramatically. "That's a man, Savannah," she breathed, a dreamy smile spreading across her face.

The next morning, Zuri found herself in the stands of the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, surrounded by a sea of white and royal blue. The UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Atalanta was about to begin, and the energy in the stadium was electric.

Zuri leaned towards Lila, having to raise her voice to be heard over the roar of the crowd. "Is it always this intense?"

Lila grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh honey, this is just the warm-up. Wait till the match starts!"

As an American, Zuri was used to the spectacle of NFL games, but this... this was something else entirely. The chants, the flags, the sheer passion of the fans around her was unlike anything she'd experienced before.

"I've been to Giants games back home," Zuri shouted to Lila, "but this is on another level!"

Lila laughed, linking her arm through Zuri's. "Welcome to European football. It's not just a game, it's a religion."

As the teams took the field, the stadium erupted. Zuri's eyes immediately found Aurélien, his tall frame easy to spot even from their seats. She felt a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with how he looked in his kit.

"So," Lila said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "on a scale of one to 'climb him like a tree', how are you feeling about your arranged husband right now?"

Zuri felt her cheeks warm. "Lila!"

"What? I'm just saying, seeing Jude in his kit still does things to me." Lila's eyes found her boyfriend on the field, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Trust me, it never gets old."

Zuri shook her head, laughing despite herself. As the whistle blew to start the match, she found herself swept up in the excitement. She might not understand all the rules yet, but watching Aurélien move across the field with such grace and power, she was beginning to see the appeal of the beautiful game.

The crowd around them surged and swayed with every play, their emotions rising and falling like a tempestuous sea. Zuri found herself joining in, shouting and cheering along with everyone else, caught up in the infectious energy of it all.

As halftime approached, Zuri turned to Lila, her eyes wide with exhilaration. "Okay, I get it now. This is amazing!"

Lila smirked. "Just wait till you experience the rivalry match with FC Barcelona. This? This is nothing."

Zuri couldn't imagine anything more intense than this, but as she watched Aurélien jog off the field, catching his eye as he glanced up at the stands, she realized she was looking forward to finding out.

As the second half kicked off, the intensity in the stadium only seemed to increase. Zuri found herself on the edge of her seat, her heart racing with every near miss and spectacular save. She was surprised at how quickly she'd become invested in the game, cheering loudly whenever Aurélien or Jude had possession of the ball.

The match remained scoreless well into the second half, the tension mounting with each passing minute. Then, in the 59th minute, it happened. Federico Valverde put Real Madrid ahead from close range, converting a precise pass from Vinícius Junior.

The stadium exploded. Zuri found herself on her feet, screaming in jubilation along with thousands of other fans. Lila grabbed her in a tight hug, both of them jumping up and down in excitement.

"Did you see that?" Zuri yelled, her voice hoarse.

Lila grinned back at her. "I told you it was something else!"

Just nine minutes later, the crowd erupted again as Kylian Mbappé, making his debut for Real Madrid, fired the ball into the top corner from Jude Bellingham's pass.

"Oh my god, Jude assisted that!" Lila screamed, her pride evident.

The remaining minutes of the game were a blur of nervous energy and excited chatter. When the final whistle blew, confirming Real Madrid's 2-0 victory and their record sixth Super Cup crown, the celebration in the stands was deafening.

As the team did their victory lap around the pitch, Jude broke away from the group, jogging over to where Lila and Zuri were standing. In a move that had clearly been practiced, he leapt up, grabbing the edge of the barrier to pull himself up to Lila's level. Their kiss was brief but passionate, eliciting cheers from nearby fans.

Zuri watched, a mix of amusement and envy swirling in her chest. Then she saw Aurélien approaching. Her breath caught as he came to a stop in front of her, his face flushed with exertion and triumph.

"So," he said, his voice barely audible over the crowd, "what did you think of your first football match?"

Zuri found herself grinning widely. "It was... incredible. You were all incredible."

Aurélien's smile widened, his eyes locked on hers. For a moment, Zuri thought he might follow Jude's example and leap up to kiss her. Instead, he reached up, his hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said softly. "Maybe you'll want to come to more games?"

Zuri nodded, suddenly breathless. "Yeah," she managed. "I'd like that."

As Aurélien jogged back to join his teammates, Zuri turned to find Lila watching her with a knowing smirk.

"What?" Zuri asked, feeling her cheeks warm.

Lila just shook her head, laughing. "Oh honey, you've got it bad."

As they made their way to the locker room, the team's voices echoed through the tunnel:

"¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid y nada más!"

The chant reverberated off the walls, their jubilation palpable. Aurélien felt the rush of victory coursing through his veins, his grin wide and unrestrained.

In the showers, the celebration continued, steam rising around them as they rehashed the game's best moments.

"Mbappé!" Aurélien called out, his voice carrying over the spray of water. "Not bad for a debut, yeah?"

Kylian's laughter rang out. "Just getting started, bro. Just getting started."

After cleaning up, a smaller group decided on a quieter celebration. Aurélien, Kylian, Jude, Ferland, and Eduardo made their way to the designated family area, a secluded section just off the main corridor. It was a haven away from the prying eyes of the media, where partners and families could wait in relative privacy.

As they approached, Aurélien's eyes immediately found Zuri.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching her. "Tag along with Lila, okay? We'll meet you at the restaurant."

Zuri nodded, understanding the need for discretion. Aurélien could see the flash of cameras beyond the security barriers, hear the distant shouts of reporters hoping for a quote or a clear shot. He felt a protective urge rise within him, wanting to shield Zuri from the chaos that came with his world.

When they walked out, Aurélien couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring how she fit in so naturally with the group. Lila had linked arms with Zuri, the two women chatting animatedly as they navigated the gauntlet of paparazzi. Aurélien made a mental note to thank Lila later for taking Zuri under her wing.

At the restaurant, they settled into a large, semi-circular booth tucked away in a corner. Without thinking, Aurélien's arm found its way to the back of the seat behind Zuri. He wasn't quite touching her, but he could feel the heat radiating off her body, acutely aware of every small movement she made.

He watched, amused, as Lila perched on Jude's lap, the couple sharing a quick kiss. The easy affection between them made something twist in Aurélien's chest - a feeling he wasn't quite ready to examine too closely.

"Careful there, Bellingham," Aurélien teased. "Don't lose her in your lap. Might need a search party to find her."

Laughter erupted around the table, Lila sticking her tongue out at Aurélien good-naturedly.

As the waiter approached, Aurélien leaned in closer to Zuri. "Trust me?" he murmured.

At her nod, he took charge, ordering for both of them with a confidence that surprised even himself. He'd paid more attention to her likes and dislikes than he'd realized.

"The grilled salmon with roasted vegetables for the lady," he said, his voice smooth. "And she'll start with the butternut squash soup."

Zuri's eyes widened slightly, impressed. She caught Lila's gaze across the table, the petite woman's smile widening into a Cheshire cat grin. Lila leaned in to whisper something to Jude, whose own smile grew to match his girlfriend's.

"Look at you, Tchouaméni," Camavinga teased, "already ordering for your wife like a proper gentleman."

Jude chuckled, his arm tightening around Lila's waist. "He's learning from the best, mate."

"Oh please," Lila rolled her eyes, but her fond smile betrayed her. "As if you knew what a vegetable was before you met me."

The table erupted in laughter, Jude feigning offense. Throughout the meal, Aurélien couldn't help but notice how Jude's eyes constantly drifted to Lila, how his hand always found its way back to her, even when reaching for his drink or gesturing during a story. It was like Lila was his anchor in a storm of excitement and celebration.

Later that night, as Aurélien and Zuri walked to a nearby ice cream shop, Zuri brought up the couple.

"I follow Lila on Instagram," she said, licking her vanilla cone. "Their photos are cute, but seeing them in person… they can barely keep their hands off each other."

Aurélien chuckled, his own chocolate ice cream forgotten for a moment. "Yeah, Jude's had it bad for her for a while now. Even before they started dating, he'd get this dopey look on his face whenever someone mentioned her name."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Jude had a crush on her for months before he worked up the courage to ask her out," Aurélien replied. "Nearly drove the rest of us mad with his pining."

They both laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet street.

As they entered the hotel, Aurélien felt a strange reluctance to end the evening. "Want to watch another episode of that crime documentary?" he found himself asking.

Zuri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure, why not?"

In her room, they settled on the couch, noticeably closer than before. Aurélien couldn't help but appreciate how comfortable Zuri seemed around him now, her body slightly leaning into his as the episode played.

Halfway through, he noticed her breathing had evened out. Glancing down, he saw she had fallen asleep, her head dangerously close to resting on his shoulder. For a moment, he didn't want to move, content in this peaceful bubble they'd created.

Eventually, though, he knew he had to go. Gently, he shifted her to lie fully on the couch, draping a blanket over her sleeping form. He turned off the TV, the room plunging into a soft darkness broken only by the city lights filtering through the curtains.

Before he could overthink it, Aurélien leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Zuri's forehead. "See you tomorrow, ma chérie," he whispered, then quietly left the room.

Aurélien headed to his floor and he couldn't shake the realization that he was in deep. Every moment with Zuri revealed something new to like about her, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Lost in thought, he almost bumped into a shirtless Jude at the ice machine.

Jude's eyebrows waggled suggestively. "Coming back from Zuri's room, eh?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Jude pressed something into his hand - a condom.

"You're going to need this more than me now," Jude said with a wink.

Aurélien snorted. "Pretty sure you'll have better use for it, Mr. I-have-an-actual-girlfriend."

Jude shrugged, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Not anymore. Lila just told me she's on birth control now."

Aurélien made a face, tilting his head to the side. "T-M-fuckin'-I, Bellingham, but I don't think Lewis would be too happy if you knock up his baby sister. You're on thin ice as it is."

Jude scoffed, already heading back to his room. "No one's afraid of Lewis."

Aurélien chuckled, shaking his head as he continued to his own room. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but wonder what the hell he was getting himself into, but as he fell into bed, his last thought before sleep claimed him was of Zuri's peaceful sleeping face, and he found he didn't mind the complication one bit.

TO BE CONTINUED....

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (6/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, angst, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @2serenity0 @saturnville @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @lottins-only

A/N: Please let me know if you want to be removed from the tag list Thank you again for your love and appreciation!

Thursday arrived with a palpable sense of anticipation. Aurélien stood in his bedroom, adjusting his crisp white shirt and traditional Bamileke-patterned vest. The house was about to be filled with both his and Zuri's families, a thought that brought both excitement and a touch of anxiety.

He glanced at the newly arranged sleeping arrangements. Their parents and siblings would be taking over the pool house and extra rooms, while Zuri would be moving into his bedroom loft. The idea of sharing such an intimate space with her sent a thrill through him, memories of those vivid dreams flooding back. Aurélien took a deep breath, reminding himself to keep things in check. Having Zuri so close would make things harder - both literally and figuratively - but he was determined to behave himself with their families under the same roof.

"Get it together, man," he muttered to himself, sucking his teeth, willing his body to cooperate with his mind's decision. But, as usual, when it came to Zuri, his dick responded, swelling at the thought.

Merde.

Exhaling a vexed breath, he adjusted his crotch, forcing himself to think of the most disgusting things to quell his arousal. Eventually, he made his way downstairs, and Zuri was a vision in a matching Bamileke print dress, her hair styled in an elegant braided updo adorned with traditional beads. As their eyes met, Aurélien felt his breath catch. She looked stunning.

"You ready for this?" he asked, joining her by the front door.

Zuri nodded, a mix of nervousness and excitement in her eyes. "As I'll ever be."

From his dog bed in the corner, Zeus watched curiously, although he was more interested in the bone Aurélien had given him than the impending ceremony.

The sound of cars pulling up outside signaled the arrival of their families, and they straightened their posture, standing side-by-side on the path. The first to arrive were Aurélien's parents, Fernand and Josette, dressed in elaborate traditional attire. They were followed by a small procession of his family members, including his siblings, each carrying beautifully wrapped gifts and baskets filled with symbolic items. Then, it was Zuri's family - her father, Ernest, a woman he assumed was her mother, and another man, perhaps her brother.

To Aurélien's surprise, he spotted two elderly men among the group, their presence commanding respect. He leaned in close to Zuri, whispering, "Aren't those the elders from Cameroon?"

Zuri's eyes widened in recognition. "Yeah, Elder Nkeng and Elder Fotsing. I can't believe they made the trip."

Fuck, as if things couldn't get more complicated.

As the group assembled on the front lawn, the sound of traditional Bamileke music filled the air, drums and flutes creating a festive atmosphere. Aurélien's father, Fernand, stepped forward, holding a ceremonial staff.

He knocked on the door three times, his voice strong and clear as he called out, "We are the Tchouaméni family, come to seek the hand of your daughter for our son, Aurélien."

Zuri's father, Ernest, walked up behind Fernand, standing next to Aurélien and Zuri before responding, "And who is this son you speak of? What qualities does he possess that make him worthy of our daughter?"

Aurélien felt his cheeks warm as his father began to list his accomplishments and qualities. Zuri squeezed his hand, a small smile playing on her lips.

The back-and-forth continued, a dance of words steeped in tradition. Gifts were presented, their symbolic meanings explained. A bottle of palm wine, representing unity. Kola nuts, symbolizing respect and acceptance.

As the ceremony progressed, Aurélien found himself drawn into the beauty of it all. He glanced at Zuri, seeing the emotion in her eyes as their families came together in this ancient ritual.

"You okay?" he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand.

Zuri nodded, her voice soft. "Yeah, it's just… more overwhelming than I expected."

Elder Nkeng stepped forward, his weathered hands raised in blessing. "May these two families be joined in love and prosperity," he intoned in Bamum, his words translated by Aurélien to Zuri.

As the Nkap Nkong ceremony drew to a close, with handshakes and hugs exchanged, Aurélien felt a sense of peace settle over him. This was just the beginning of their journey together, but somehow, it felt right.

Until it didn't.

Inside, the house was transformed. Traditional Bamileke fabrics adorned the walls, their vibrant patterns bringing warmth to the space. The air was filled with the scent of African spices and flowers, creating an atmosphere both festive and intimate. The living room buzzed with activity, family members from both sides mingling, their voices creating a cheerful cacophony.

Zuri gave her parents, Amina and Ernest, and her brother, Malik, a quick tour of the house. Meanwhile, Aurélien found himself cornered by his own family.

"So, big brother," Yannis, Aurélien's younger sibling, teased, "how's married life treating you?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "We're not married yet, Yannis."

"But you will be soon enough," Yannis quipped with a grin.

Anne-Maïsha leaned in conspiratorially. "But seriously, how much do you like her? Is it just like or like-like?"

A smirk played on Aurélien's lips. "Like," he said simply.

Anne-Maïsha's eyes sparkled. "So, like-like. Understood."

As Zuri and her family returned to the living room, caterers bustled around offering refreshments. The elders cleared their throats, signaling the start of the La Dot ceremony - the negotiation and completion of the bride price.

Ernest stepped forward, his expression stern. "Now, about compensation for raising such a fine daughter..."

Aurélien felt his jaw clench as Ernest launched into a tirade about wanting a new car. It took all of his self-control not to cuss the man out right there. Zuri squeezed his hand, their eyes meeting in a look that spoke volumes. Taking a deep breath, Aurélien settled for rolling his eyes.

"With all due respect," Aurélien interrupted, his voice tight, "a new car isn't happening. However, I understand Zuri's mother has been wanting to remodel the kitchen. I'd be happy to cover those costs. Or perhaps we could put money towards student loan debt?"

Ernest sucked his teeth, clearly displeased. "I raised her and her brother well, spent money on them. I need to be compensated to some degree."

Murmurs of disapproval rippled through Aurélien's family members.

Zuri's grandmother, Mamie Adzoa, spoke up. "Perhaps we could do something extra special for Zuri instead? What would you like, ma chérie?"

All eyes turned to Zuri. Aurélien smirked, already loving her grandmother.

"Uh... I'm really grateful for everything already," Zuri said, looking a bit overwhelmed.

"Oh! So humble," noted one of Aurélien's cousins, making Zuri smile.

"Maybe we could donate to something or someone? Pay it forward," Zuri suggested.

Aurélien nodded approvingly. "What a giving fiancée I have," he joked, earning chuckles even from the elders. "So that's settled then, yeah?" Aurélien said, his tone making it clear it wasn't really a question. He fixed Ernest with a firm look.

The giving of the bride price commenced. Aurélien presented plans for Zuri's grandmother's new house, drawn up by his architect. He handed over the official notice for the cattle to her uncle. Then, with a nod to his mother, Josette brought forward several beautifully wrapped boxes. Zuri opened them to reveal an array of stunning jewelry - Van Cleef & Arpels pieces, including a bracelet matching Aurélien's own, Cartier items, and a pair of diamond studs.

Zuri's eyes widened in amazement. She threw her arms around Aurélien, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome, ma belle," Aurélien responded, planting a kiss on her head.

"Oh, they're in love already," Mamie Adzoa stated, causing Aurélien to chuckle.

As Zuri turned to show her grandmother and mother the beautiful pieces, Aurélien's gaze fell on Malik, Zuri's brother. A scowl marred Malik's features as he shook his head slightly. Aurélien made a mental note to talk to him later, sensing the need to clear the air.

Despite the underlying tension, as Aurélien watched Zuri's excitement, he felt a warmth spread through his chest. This moment - seeing Zuri happy - made all the complications worth it.

__________________________________________________________

As the evening progressed, the families gathered for a simple dinner. During dessert, some of the men stepped outside, and Aurélien saw his chance to talk with Malik.

"Hey," Aurélien said, approaching Zuri's brother. "Got a minute? I wanted to talk about Zuri."

Malik nodded, his expression guarded. They moved to a quieter spot in the garden.

Aurélien began, "I know this situation isn't ideal, but I want you to know that I have Zuri's best interests at heart."

"Look," Malik replied, "I'm worried about Zuri. She's sensitive, a people pleaser. Especially with our father. She bends over backwards for people, and I don't want to see her get used."

Aurélien nodded, understanding. "I get it. But I want you to know, I won't do that to her. I truly appreciate Zuri for who she is."

Malik laughed, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Maybe Mamie was right. You are in love."

Aurélien shook his head. "We're trying to see the silver lining in this situation. Making an effort to date each other. We've even talked about pushing the wedding date back a bit."

Malik's eyes widened at this, and he kissed his teeth. "You're something else, Aurélien, but I don't mind you."

Aurélien extended his hand, which Malik shook before pulling him into a bro hug. Leaning close, Malik whispered, "If you hurt my sister, I'll kill you. Understand?"

"Understood," Aurélien replied, nodding. He respected Malik's protectiveness, knowing he'd do the same if it were Anne-Maïsha in this situation.

"Aurélien!" Fernand called them over, handing Aurélien a cigar. "Nous célébrons tes fiançailles, fils," (We're celebrating your engagement, son) he said.

"Papa, anglais s'il te plaît," (Dad, English please) Aurélien responded, nodding towards Malik.

To his surprise, Malik responded in French, his accent not nearly as bad as Zuri's, "Ne t'inquiète pas, je comprends." (Don't worry, I understand.)

Confused, Aurélien blurted in English, "Wait, you speak French? Why doesn't Zuri?"

Ernest, joining them, provided the explanation. "Elle est pourrie gâtée," (She's spoiled rotten) he said, lighting his cigar. "We never pushed her to learn."

The glow from the cigar illuminated Ernest's still scowling face, and Aurélien felt his own expression sour. He recalled Zuri's stories about her father's behavior, the pressure she felt. His first instinct was to be polite – this was his fiancée's father, after all – but he knew that after this weekend, he'd need to be on high alert to protect Zuri from any potential bullshit.

As the men talked and smoked, Ernest continued to make snide comments. "She always took the easy way out," he muttered. "No discipline, that one."

Aurélien bit his tongue, reminding himself that this was temporary.

Suddenly, one of Zuri's cousins – Aurélien wasn't sure if her name was Adzoa or Akua – called out, "Venez danser!" (Come dance!)

Malik sucked his teeth. "Ah non, pas la danse," (Oh no, not dancing) he groaned.

As they headed back inside, Aurélien saw Zuri standing awkwardly in a circle, her female cousins dancing around her, performing traditional Cameroonian moves, however, she looked so lost.

Turning to Malik, Aurélien asked, "She doesn't know how to do this?"

Malik shook his head almost sadly.

What the fuck? Aurélien wondered why her parents had taught her brother about their customs but not her. Well, he was here to teach her now. He danced into the circle, taking Zuri's hand and spinning her around. Her giggles filled the air, and Aurélien found himself grinning, enjoying the sound of her laughter.

As the music pulsed through the room, Aurélien pulled Zuri closer, his hand resting lightly on her waist. "Follow my lead," he murmured, guiding her through the steps of a traditional Bamileke dance.

At first, Zuri was hesitant, her movements unsure. But as Aurélien continued to lead, she began to relax, her body swaying more naturally to the rhythm. He spun her out, then back into his arms, delighting in the way her eyes lit up with excitement.

"You're a natural," he said, loud enough for only her to hear.

As they moved together, the energy in the room seemed to shift. Family members began to gather around, clapping and cheering. Suddenly, one of Aurélien's uncles let out a loud, trilling yodel - a traditional Bamileke cry of celebration. The sound reverberated through the room, and soon others joined in, their voices rising and falling in a joyous cacophony.

Zuri looked startled for a moment, then broke into a wide grin. "What is that?" she asked, breathless from dancing.

"It's called 'nkuh'," Aurélien explained. "It's how we show approval and joy."

As if on cue, another round of nkuh filled the air, this time led by Zuri's grandmother. Aurélien saw tears glistening in the old woman's eyes as she watched her granddaughter embrace her heritage.

Feeling emboldened, Aurélien dipped Zuri low, earning another round of cheers and nkuh from the crowd. As he pulled her back up, their faces were close, breaths mingling.

"Thank you," Zuri whispered, her eyes locked on his.

"Anytime, ZuZu."

_____________________________________________________________

Zuri rolled her eyes as her father's grumbling about the car situation continued.

Seriously, Dad? Let it go already.

His pettiness was threatening to turn her engagement weekend into an episode of "Real Housewives of Cameroon." She made a mental note to give him the cold shoulder if he kept this up. This was supposed to be her time to shine, dammit, not a showcase for her father's world-class sulking skills.

After what felt like a million goodbyes (how many cousins did she have, anyway?), Zuri and Aurélien finally escaped the family circus. As they bid goodnight to their parents and siblings, Zuri couldn't help but think, Freedom at last.

Alone in the bathroom, Zuri began her nighttime routine. She carefully removed her makeup, cleaned her face, unbraided her hair, and wrapped it in her bonnet. After a quick shower and changing into her new pajamas (because God forbid she wears her ratty old t-shirt to bed with Mr. Soccer Superstar), a wave of nervousness hit her.

Sharing a bed with Aurélien. No big deal. Totally chill.

Taking a deep breath that did absolutely nothing to calm her nerves, Zuri flicked off the bathroom light and padded into the bedroom. And there he was, sitting up in bed, his phone casting a soft glow on his features. The t-shirt he'd worn earlier was discarded, leaving his broad, muscled chest on proud display. Zuri felt her mouth go dry at the sight.

Zeus, sprawled next to Aurélien like he owned the place, but Aurélien, ever the gentleman, shooed the dog to his bed. Zeus huffed dramatically as he complied, giving Zuri a stink eye that rivaled her father's.

"Hey," Aurélien said softly, his voice doing things to Zuri's insides. "You okay?"

Am I okay? I'm about to share a bed with a Greek god, but sure, I'm totally fine. "Yeah," Zuri managed, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Just... been a long day."

As she approached the bed, Zuri's mind raced. What now? Do I jump in? Slide in gracefully? Is there a protocol for getting into bed with your arranged fiancé?

But as Aurélien smiled at her, warm and reassuring, some of her nervousness melted away. His eyes followed her intently, his gaze trailing over her silk pajamas. Zuri felt a flutter in her stomach. Sure, they'd shared kisses and some pretty heated makeout sessions, but sleeping together? That was a whole new ballgame.

As she slid under the covers, she couldn't help but admire Aurélien's muscled chest, his dark chocolate skin practically glowing in the dim light.

Focus, Zuri. Don't be a creep.

"You look pretty," Aurélien murmured, his hand reaching out to lightly touch the hem of her pajama top. Zuri's breath caught in her throat.

Trying to settle in, Zuri cleared her throat. "So, what's next on this whirlwind engagement tour?"

They chatted about the upcoming lunch with their families, more blessings from the elders, and Saturday's official engagement ceremony that Josette had planned.

"I'm a little nervous about how it'll turn out," Zuri admitted. "But your mom seems to have good taste. I like your family."

Aurélien nodded. "My family likes you too. I also like your family," he said, then added with a smirk, "Well, except for your dad. Still want to punch him in the mouth."

Zuri couldn't help but laugh. "I can't believe he and your dad were schoolmates. They seem so different."

"Yeah, my old man pushes me, but at least he respects my choices," Aurélien mused.

Zuri sighed. "My father never has. This arranged marriage might be the last thing he controls in my life."

As they decided to call it a night, Zuri turned onto her side, her back to Aurélien. Suddenly, she felt the bed shift and a strong arm wrapped securely around her waist, Aurélien's body pressing against her back.

"Aurél?" she whispered, her heart racing.

"Hmm?"

"What-what are you doing?"

"Cuddling with my fiancée," he replied nonchalantly, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Zuri, meanwhile, was on the verge of a panic attack from the sheer closeness. Willing her horniness to take a backseat, she gulped and turned to face him. His face, visible even in the darkness, held a smug smirk.

"I can't cuddle with you now?" he asked innocently.

"No, no, it's not that… uh… we're alone," she stammered.

"I know. What's wrong, ZuZu?"

"Aurélien, you're literally pressed up against me. How am I supposed to sleep?"

"By closing your eyes, ma chérie," he responded, his snark game strong as ever.

"Ugh, goodnight," she grumbled, turning back around, only to feel Aurélien cuddle closer, tightening his arms around her waist.

I fucking hate him, she thought. Oh, be so for real, you like him too much to hate him, her traitorous mind replied.

And she did. Too bad she liked him too much to fall asleep easily, especially with him wrapped around her like a muscular, irresistible blanket.

The blaring alarm jolted Zuri awake, her body stiff and her mind foggy. Aurélien, meanwhile, was dead to the world, snoring softly beside her.

She hadn't slept well, not with Aurélien pressed up against her all night. And now? Well, let's just say she could feel every inch of his morning… enthusiasm.

Jesus, Mary, and Beyoncé, give me strength, she thought, desperately wishing for an ice-cold shower.

Stumbling to the bathroom, Zuri attempted to wrangle her hair into something resembling togetherness. Her bonnet had staged a revolt overnight, leaving her looking like she'd been electrocuted.

Heading downstairs, she was surprised to find Josette already up and dressed, chatting with a stylish woman in the living room.

"Ah, Zuri!" Josette called out. "Come meet Maria, your wedding planner."

Wedding planner? When did that happen? Zuri thought as she plastered on a smile and shook Maria's hand. The backyard was already a hive of activity, with Maria directing the setup for the Nhon Nkou - the family union lunch.

"Oh, before I forget," Josette said, pressing a small, elegantly wrapped package into Zuri's hands. "A little something for you, dear."

"Thank you," Zuri managed, touched by the gesture. Is this what having a normal mother-in-law feels like?

"Zuri!" Her father's voice cut through the moment like a knife. And we're back to reality.

Ernest strode into the kitchen, nodding curtly at Josette before pulling Zuri aside. "We need to talk about that car," he hissed.

Oh for fuck's sake, Zuri thought, resisting the urge to bang her head against the nearest wall.

"Listen," Ernest began, his voice low and insistent, "you need to convince Aurélien about the car. It's the least he can do, considering he's getting you. Tell him it's important to me, that it would mean a lot to your father."

Zuri fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Papa, I really don't think—"

"Just do it, Zuri," he cut her off. "Use that charm of yours. You've always been good at getting what you want."

As her father continued his spiel, Zuri felt her anger rising. This was beyond selfishness, bordering on narcissism. Here they were, in the middle of engagement ceremonies, her entire life uprooted, and he was fixated on a fucking car?

"Enough," Zuri snapped, her patience finally breaking. "This is crazy, Papa. I'm not asking Aurélien for a car."

Ernest's face darkened, and he stalked closer, backing Zuri against the kitchen counter. "You'll do the right thing, Zuri," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Suddenly, Aurélien's voice cut through the tension. "ZuZu? What the hell are you doing near my fiancée?"

He pushed Ernest aside, positioning himself between them.

Ernest snarled, "Mind your business, Aurélien. She is not yet your wife."

Aurélien sucked his teeth, turning to Zuri. "ZuZu? What's going on?"

Zuri took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving her father's face. "He wants me to convince you to buy him a car. Says it's the least you can do since you're 'getting me'," she explained, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Aurélien's jaw clenched. "Mr. Awanto Nchang, I've already said no to the car. If you can't respect our choices, you're welcome to leave our home."

Ernest's finger jabbed towards Aurélien's chest, but before he could speak, Fernand entered the kitchen.

"Step back from my son and Zuri, Ernest," Fernand said, his voice calm but firm.

Fuming, Ernest complied, but not before issuing a final threat to Zuri. "If this marriage falls apart, you have no home in New York." With that, he stalked out.

Aurélien turned to Zuri, his hands gently caressing her arms. "Are you okay, ma chérie?"

Zuri nodded, a newfound resolve in her eyes. "If he wants to act like that, good riddance. I'm done with his bullshit." She stood on her tiptoes, placing a chaste kiss on Aurélien's lips. "The makeup artist and hairstylist should be here soon. I need to get ready for the lunch."

As Zuri left the kitchen, her head held high, Aurélien and Fernand exchanged a look of admiration. This woman was stronger than anyone had given her credit for, and Aurélien felt a surge of pride.

Zuri made her way to the study where the hairstylist and makeup artist had just arrived. As they began working their magic, she felt a mix of emotions coursing through her - adrenaline from finally standing up to her father, pride in her newfound strength, and a twinge of sadness at his parting words.

Who knew it would take an arranged marriage for me to finally tell him to fuck off? she thought wryly.

New York had been her home, but Madrid was her future. And if things didn't work out with Aurélien? Well, she'd cross that bridge if she came to it. For now, she was relishing in her newfound freedom.

The hairstylist worked diligently, weaving fabric and cowrie shells into an intricate updo that celebrated both tradition and modernity. When it was done, Zuri retreated to the adjoining bathroom to slip into her dress.

The gown was a masterpiece of delicate embroidery, its pale gold fabric shimmering with every movement. Instead of the bold patterns of ankara, this dress featured subtle motifs inspired by Bamileke art, creating a look that was both elegant and culturally significant.

As Zuri emerged, putting the finishing touches on her outfit, she caught sight of Aurélien greeting their families in the foyer. He cut a striking figure in his ndop, the rich, intricately embroidered fabric of the traditional Bamileke robe making him look regal and powerful. The matching hat perched atop his head completed the look, making him appear every inch the Cameroonian prince.

For a moment, Zuri forgot to breathe. Despite the drama and the uncertainty, she couldn't deny that Aurélien looked… well, damn. As their eyes met across the room, a small smile played on his lips, and Zuri felt a flutter in her stomach.

Aurélien sauntered over, his eyes doing that slow once-over thing that made her want to check if her dress was still on. "You look beautiful, ma chérie," he murmured, planting a kiss on her temple that sent tingles all the way to her toes.

"You clean up pretty well yourself," Zuri quipped, praying her voice didn't betray how his touch made her feel like a teenager with a crush.

They made their way to the backyard, navigating the sea of relatives like it was a particularly chatty obstacle course. The garden had been transformed into a vibrant celebration space, with colorful fabrics draped over tables and traditional Bamileke decorations adorning every surface.

Elder Nkeng, looking like he'd stepped straight out of a history book, gathered them in the center of the space. The crowd fell silent, probably holding their collective breath to see if Zuri would trip over her dress or something equally embarrassing.

"May the spirits of our ancestors smile upon this union," Elder Nkeng said in Bamum, his voice carrying across the yard.

"He's asking our ancestors to bless us," Aurélien whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her neck. "And hoping we don't fuck this up too badly."

Zuri bit back a laugh, trying to look appropriately solemn as the other elders joined in, their voices rising in a chant that sounded like a cross between a lullaby and a football cheer.

As the blessings wrapped up, the feast kicked off. Tables groaned under the weight of traditional Cameroonian dishes - ndolé, fufu, jollof rice, and more. The smell alone was enough to make Zuri's mouth water.

Looking around at her new extended family, Zuri felt a weird sense of belonging she hadn't expected. Despite being Americanized as all hell, she'd never felt more connected to her heritage than right here, right now. And doing it all with Aurélien by her side? Well, that was just the icing on the cake.

As she watched him charm the pants off her aunties (not literally, thank God), Zuri couldn't help but feel a surge of... something. Gratitude? Affection? Whatever it was, it made her think that maybe this whole arranged marriage thing wasn't the total disaster she'd feared.

Aurélien couldn't take his eyes off Zuri. He wanted to fuck his fiancée so badly it hurt. Between her looking beyond beautiful in her cultural attire and those sexy-as-fuck pajamas that teased him mercilessly at night, he was struggling to keep his sexual frustration in check. And don't even get him started on how hot it was when she told off her father yesterday evening. Sheesh. He was enamored, down bad… whatever you want to call it.

Today was Saturday - their Ntchounke (traditional engagement ceremony). All his friends and teammates had been invited weeks ago. His mother had worked tirelessly putting it all together, and he couldn't wait to see the finished product.

This weekend had brought him and Zuri closer than he'd imagined. He was itching for some alone time with her tomorrow. For the sake of their family sleeping under their roof, he hadn't dared go beyond cuddling or a simple kiss to her temple, and even those innocent gestures seemed to make his situation worse.

And now, looking at her in that floor-length gown of rich, royal blue fabric, its bodice adorned with intricate gold embroidery featuring traditional Bamileke patterns… Aurélien felt his mouth go dry. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, its modern silhouette balanced beautifully with traditional elements. The striking atoghu crown hat atop her head, decorated with blue and gold beads, made her look like royalty.

His own regal toghu matched her dress perfectly, the same royal blue fabric embroidered with bold, geometric patterns in gold. His nkwa'' cap and the ceremonial feather fan he carried completed the look. As they sat side by side, their matching outfits created a visually stunning and deeply symbolic representation of their union.

In the car on the way to La Quinta de Jarama, Aurélien couldn't stop stealing glances at Zuri. "You okay?" he asked, his hand finding hers.

"Yes," she replied, squeezing his hand.

When they arrived, Zuri's jaw dropped. The venue was a perfect blend of boho chic and traditional flair, with an explosion of flowers in reds, yellows, and greens. "Oh my god," she breathed, then turned to engulf Josette in a hug. "Thank you so much. It's beautiful."

They stood together as they greeted their guests and when his friends and teammates finally arrived, he immediately centered himself, mentally preparing for all of the teasing.

Camavinga approached, whistling appreciatively. "Looking good, you two!"

"Not so bad yourself, Cama," Zuri replied with a wink. "Loving the suit."

Jude and Lila weren't far behind. "Oh my god, you guys look amazing!" Lila gushed, admiring their outfits.

"Seriously," Jude agreed. "You're putting the rest of us to shame."

Rodrygo, Vini Jr., and Kylian sauntered over, identical mischievous grins on their faces.

"So, Tchouaméni," Vini started, "how does it feel to be officially off the market?"

"Better watch out," Kylian added, "or we'll all be next."

Aurélien rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Like I've escaped a terrible fate," he joked, earning a playful swat from Zuri.

Then came Jules Koundé, Aurélien's best friend. Jules looked sharp in a tailored suit, his locs styled impeccably. "So this is the famous Zuri," Jules said with a grin.

Before he could respond, a shrill scream cut through the air from his fiancée. Aurélien and Jules raised their eyebrows as Zuri took off running (as much as her dress allowed) towards a stunning woman in a golden dress.

"Putain," Jules muttered in French. "Son amie est carrément canon." (Fuck. Her friend is fine as fuck.)

Aurélien elbowed him in the ribs as Zuri dragged her friend over. "Guys, this is my best friend, Senait," Zuri said, beaming. "Senait, this is Aurélien and his friend Jules."

"Enchanté," Jules said, his most charming smile in place. Aurélien fought the urge to roll his eyes.

Unfortunately for Jules, Senait didn't pay him not a once of attention. "So you're the one who's stolen my Zuri away," Senait said, eyeing Aurélien with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Guilty as charged," Aurélien replied, feeling suddenly self-conscious under her scrutiny.

Before the conversation could continue, the sound of drums filled the air. A group of traditional Bamileke dancers emerged, their colorful costumes a blur of motion as they moved to the rhythmic beat.

"Holy shit," Zuri breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Is this part of the ceremony?"

Aurélien nodded, leaning in close to be heard over the music. "Oh, yeah, just wait, it gets better."

As if on cue, Elder Nkeng appeared, gesturing for Aurélien and Zuri to join him. The crowd parted, creating a path for them.

"What's happening?" Zuri whispered, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Trust me," Aurélien murmured, taking her hand and leading her towards the elder.

Elder Nkeng smiled warmly at them, producing a length of beautifully woven cloth. "This symbolizes the binding of your lives," he explained in Bamum, Aurélien translating for Zuri.

With practiced movements, the elder began to tie their hands together. Aurélien could feel Zuri's pulse quicken where their wrists touched.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

Zuri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, just... this is really happening, huh?"

As Elder Nkeng finished the knot, the crowd erupted in cheers. The flash of cameras went off in rapid succession, capturing the moment.

Aurélien looked at Zuri, her face radiant with joy and maybe a touch of disbelief. He couldn't help but grin, feeling a bit dazed himself.

This is really happening, he thought.

"So," he said, leaning in close, "think we can convince them to leave us tied up like this for the rest of the party?"

Zuri snorted, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Why, Tchouaméni? Afraid I'll make a run for it?"

"Nah," he replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Just like having you this close."

He watched with satisfaction as a warmth crept up her cheeks just as they were swarmed by well-wishers.

"Félicitations!" Jules called out, clapping Aurélien on the back. "Though I still can't believe you beat me to the altar, man."

As the celebration continued around them, Aurélien found himself constantly aware of Zuri's presence beside him. The warmth of her hand in his, the brush of her arm against his side, the way she'd lean in to whisper comments in his ear... it was driving him crazy in the best possible way.

Later, as they swayed together on the dance floor (their hands finally unbound), Aurélien pulled Zuri closer. "You know," he murmured, his lips brushing her ear, "I think I might be the luckiest guy here."

Zuri pulled back slightly, eyebrow raised. "Oh? And why's that?"

Aurélien grinned, spinning her out and then back into his arms. "Because I get to take you home tonight."

The look Zuri gave him then – part surprise, part desire, all heat – nearly made him forget they were in a room full of people. As the music swelled around them, Aurélien made a silent promise to himself: arranged or not, he was going to make damn sure this marriage was one for the books.

As the DJ spun the next track, a familiar rhythm of Afrobeats pulsed through the speakers. Zuri looked a bit lost as the beat shifted, her brow furrowing slightly as she glanced at the crowd around them moving to the rhythm with ease. Aurélien couldn’t help but shake his head, amusement tugging at his lips.

"Shit, you gonna have to learn some moves," he teased, watching her struggle to catch the beat.

Zuri’s lips parted in a playful pout. "You should’ve known by now that I’m no dancer."

"You proved yourself wrong the other night, ZuZu. Just dance," he urged, leaning in closer.

She started to protest, "Aurél—"

"Dance with your fiancé," he said in a low, commanding tone that made Zuri lick her lower lip in a way that sent heat straight to his core. "That's not a request either."

"Oh?" Zuri's eyebrow arched, a challenge in her eyes.

"Exactly," he said, pulling her closer to move to the beat.

Around them, the dance floor came alive. Their friends and family were getting into it, but it was Camavinga who stole the show with his impressive footwork.

"Eh, footwork! Eh, footwork!" The chant rose from the crowd, led mostly by their cousins.

Aurélien grinned, he could always count on his cousins to hype someone up. But his focus quickly returned to Zuri, who was starting to loosen up, her body moving more naturally to the rhythm.

"See?" he murmured in her ear, his hands guiding her hips. "You've got this."

Zuri's answering smile was equal parts shy and seductive, and Aurélien found himself thinking that the real party would start when they finally got home. "You’re lucky I like you."

"Lucky?" He chuckled, his breath hot against her ear as he leaned in. "Bébé, I’m just getting started."

She let out a small laugh, but her gaze remained locked on his, the heat between them undeniable as the music pulsed, carrying them deeper into their rhythm. But then, her eyes flickered to the other side of the dancefloor, something catching her attention. Aurélien followed her gaze, spotting Senait and Jules dancing together. Senait’s back was pressed against Jules’ front, and he was catching her whines with a practiced ease, both of them lost in their own world.

"Oh my god, Senait—" Zuri started to say, but Aurélien quickly shushed her, surprising her into silence.

Her eyes widened as she gaped at him. "Did you just shush me?"

Aurélien smirked. "Don’t be a cockblocker, bébé," he teased.

"I’m not," she grumbled, pouting in that adorable way she did when things didn’t go her way. Aurélien groaned inwardly, fighting the urge to kiss that bratty pout right off her face. Since they’d started spending more time together, he realized that he thoroughly enjoyed this side of her. It was frustrating sometimes, but it also drove him wild. The thought of taming her properly had crossed his mind more than once.

"You are," he insisted, his voice deepening, the playful command in his tone unmistakable. "Worry about me tonight. Not Senait."

Zuri shifted closer to him, her lips parting as if she had a comeback ready, but whatever she was going to say died on her lips as the beat shifted again, drawing them back into their own rhythm.

Aurélien grinned, satisfied, pulling her even closer. "That’s more like it," he murmured, his hands sliding to her hips, guiding her body in time with his. "Just you and me, ma chérie."

Zuri relaxed into him, her pout fading into a smile as they swayed to the music, the rest of the room forgotten.

As the night wore on, they found themselves surrounded by a mountain of beautifully wrapped gifts.

"Time to see what damage our friends have done," Aurélien joked, picking up a sizeable box.

They tore into the gifts, alternating between genuine appreciation and fits of laughter. Jude and Lila had gifted them a set of "Mr. and Mrs." aprons, complete with cheesy soccer puns. Camavinga's gift was a state-of-the-art coffee machine that Aurélien was pretty sure cost more than some cars.

When Jules finally made his way over, Aurélien couldn't resist teasing his friend. "Alors, tu t'amuses bien?" (So, enjoying the party?)

Jules tried to play it cool, but Aurélien knew him too well to miss the slight flush on his cheeks. "C'est pas mal. Bonne musique, bonne bouffe..." (It's alright. Good music, good food...)

"Bonne compagnie? (Good company?)" Aurélien supplied, smirking.

Jules rolled his eyes. "Ta gueule, mec. J'étais juste poli." (Shut up, man. I was just being polite.)

"Ah bon," Aurélien nodded, not buying it for a second. "Et c'est pour ça que tu n'as pratiquement pas quitté Senait de la soirée?" (Uh-huh. And that's why you've barely left Senait's side all night?)

Jules opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, Senait appeared at his side, slipping her arm through his.

"What are you two whispering about?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Aurélien's eyebrows shot up, and he couldn't help but grin at Jules' flustered expression. "Oh, nothing important. Just catching up," he replied smoothly in English.

Jules cleared his throat, looking both pleased and embarrassed. "We were just... uh..."

"About to dance?" Senait finished for him, tugging him towards the dance floor. "Absolutely."

As they walked away, Aurélien felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Zuri, an eyebrow raised in question. "What was that all about?"

Aurélien smirked. "Let's just say your friend might be sticking around Madrid a bit longer than planned."

Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd, and Elder Nkeng stepped forward, his voice commanding as he spoke in Bamum. His words cut through the air, and everyone immediately quieted, listening with reverence. Aurélien leaned down, his breath warm against Zuri’s ear as he translated.

"He’s saying it’s time for the farewell ceremony," he murmured.

Zuri’s fingers squeezed his instinctively, her nerves evident. Though she had done well hiding them throughout the evening, moments like this reminded her how unfamiliar everything still felt, despite how deep they’d already gotten.

The guests began forming a pathway, an aisle of well-wishers lined with beaming smiles and blessings. Aurélien took Zuri’s hand, intertwining their fingers as he led her forward. Rose petals and confetti fluttered around them, catching in the soft breeze, and the melodic hum of the Bamileke chant filled the room, rising into the air like a blessing carried by the wind.

He could hear snippets of the words, fragments of Bamum and French woven together—prosperity, love, fertility, unity—each phrase stirring something deeper in him. Aurélien glanced at Zuri, who looked radiant under the falling petals, her eyes wide, her lips slightly parted in awe. Her grip on his hand tightened, and in that moment, as they were showered with blessings, the weight of their situation became undeniable.

A rush of protectiveness swelled in him, followed by something more dangerous. Desire.

Zuri caught him staring, and her lips curled into a soft, questioning smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice low, teasing, but with a hint of curiosity.

Aurélien’s smirk deepened. "You look good under confetti," he said, his tone playful but tinged with heat.

Zuri rolled her eyes, though her smile didn’t falter. "Is that all?"

"No," he replied, his voice dropping to that intimate tone he knew drove her crazy. "It’s everything else, too."

The farewell ceremony was winding down, with the older guests exchanging warm goodbyes and lingering on final blessings. Zuri looked calm, but Aurélien knew she wasn’t unaffected by the evening’s weight. And neither was he.

Aurélien led Zuri toward the waiting car, his hand at the small of her back, a gesture that had become instinctive in recent days. His thoughts, however, were a storm of emotions.

They had been getting closer, that much was obvious. It wasn’t just the physical chemistry between them, though that was undeniable. It was the late-night conversations, the laughter, the way they seemed to just fit. But tonight, something had shifted. Something more real, more intense, had taken hold. His fingers flexed against her lower back as they neared the car, the heat of her skin burning through the thin fabric of her dress.

The door closed behind them with a soft thud, leaving them in the intimate silence of the car. Zuri settled into her seat, and Aurélien felt a heat radiating through him that had been building all night.

Desire was one thing — he was no stranger to it — but this was more. They’d been skirting around each other for weeks now, growing closer, sharing more than just a bed in his house. He had gotten used to the sound of her laughter, the feel of her body curled up next to him at night. The question that had been lingering in the back of his mind for days now, though, was one he couldn't shake anymore.

Would they keep sharing the same bed after all this? After their parents left tomorrow and life returned to whatever normal looked like for them now, would she still come to him at night? Would she want to?

And more importantly… was she ready to cross that line with him?

Aurélien's jaw tightened as he glanced over at her, watching as she looked out the window, her expression soft but unreadable. He didn’t want to rush her, didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t ready for. But damn, it had been hard keeping his hands off her. The tension between them had been simmering for weeks now, and tonight had only turned the heat up.

He wanted her. Badly. More than he could admit, even to himself. But it wasn’t just lust. It was something deeper, something about the way she made him feel grounded and alive all at once.

He leaned back against the seat, exhaling slowly, his hand still resting on her thigh.

She turned to him then, her gaze meeting his. There was a question in her eyes, maybe the same one that had been plaguing him all night.

"What?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aurélien’s lips curled into a slow smirk. "Nothing," he replied, though his voice was rougher than he intended. His thumb brushed absently over her knee, the contact making his pulse jump. "Just thinking."

"About?" she pressed, leaning slightly toward him, her tone playful but curious.

He let out a low chuckle, shifting in his seat to face her fully. "About what happens next," he said, his voice serious despite the smirk still tugging at his lips. His hand slid up her leg just a little, the weight of his palm warm and firm. "After your parents leave tomorrow. After all this… settles."

Zuri’s brow furrowed slightly, her teeth tugging on her lower lip. "You mean… us?"

Aurélien nodded, his gaze dropping to her lips before meeting her eyes again. "Yeah, us."

There was a pause, the air between them heavy with unspoken words and a tension that had been building for too long.

"I don’t know," she admitted, her voice soft but honest. "I mean… this weekend has been…" she trailed off, searching for the right words. "Different. Good, but… different."

He nodded, understanding what she wasn’t saying. It had been different. They’d gone from strangers bound by an arrangement to something… more. But what exactly, neither of them knew yet.

Aurélien shifted closer to her, his hand moving to cup her cheek gently. "I’m not asking you to make any decisions tonight," he murmured, his thumb brushing over her skin softly. "I just… I want you to know that whatever happens next, it’s up to you. No pressure, no expectations. Just… us."

Zuri’s eyes softened, and she leaned into his touch, her hand covering his. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Aurélien’s heart pounded in his chest as he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. It wasn’t rushed, but there was a hunger beneath it, a promise of what could be if they both allowed it.

When they finally pulled apart, Zuri’s breath was shaky, her eyes still closed as if savoring the moment.

She smiled softly, and leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as the car drove further away from the venue.

Whatever happened next, Aurélien knew one thing for sure — he wasn’t letting go of her anytime soon. And if tonight was any indication, neither was she.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (4/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, angst, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @bbgkoo

A/N: Doing my best to incorporate bits about Cameroonian culture as best as possible. Thank you again for your love and appreciation!

Zuri tilted her head, examining her reflection in the salon mirror. The warm auburn tones of her newly dyed hair caught the light, giving her skin a golden glow. She ran her fingers through the silky strands, marveling at the smoothness of the press.

"¿Te gusta?" the stylist asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

Zuri nodded enthusiastically. "Me encanta," she replied, her Spanish still hesitant but steadily improving. "It's perfect."

Stepping out of the salon, Zuri blinked against the bright Madrid sun. She pulled out her phone, tapping the Uber app to request a ride. As she waited, her agency's notification popped up again. They'd been shocked when she'd informed them of her move to Spain, but she'd managed to dodge their questions about the reason. How exactly does one explain an arranged marriage in the 21st century without sounding like you've lost your mind?

The Uber pulled up, a sleek black sedan that looked out of place among the colorful Spanish cars. Zuri slid into the backseat, giving the driver a polite nod before losing herself in thought.

It had been a whirlwind few days since Real Madrid's UEFA Super Cup victory in Poland. The city was still buzzing with excitement, and now all eyes were on the upcoming match against Mallorca. Including, apparently, her own.

Aurélien had been... different lately. Considerate in a way she hadn't expected. Always making sure she had enough to eat, asking about her day, suggesting places in Madrid she might enjoy. It was... nice. Confusing as hell, but nice.

The Uber wound its way through Madrid's streets, and Zuri found herself actually appreciating the view. When had that happened? When had this strange city started to feel less alien?

Arriving at Aurélien's - their? - house, Zuri was greeted by Zeus's enthusiastic barking. She bent down to ruffle his fur, giggling as he tried to lick her face.

"Hey, boy," she cooed. "You like the new look?"

As if in response, Zeus gave an approving bark.

Zuri made her way down the hall, her mind already on the packing she needed to do for Mallorca. Aurélien had invited her to the away game, her second match since Poland. She was determined to continue making a good impression, though she wasn't quite ready to examine why that mattered so much to her.

As she pulled out her suitcase, Zuri's phone buzzed with a text from Aurélien:

"Heading home. Want to grab dinner? There's this great tapas place nearby."

Zuri found herself smiling as she typed her reply:

"Sounds perfect. Can't wait. 😊"

As she hit send, Zuri paused, her hand hovering over her open suitcase. When had she started looking forward to spending time with Aurélien? When had his texts started making her smile like this?

She shook her head, trying to clear these confusing thoughts. Focus on packing, she told herself. One step at a time.

But as she folded a sundress into her suitcase, Zuri couldn't help but think about the paparazzi photos she'd seen online. They were claiming she was Lila's new BFF, which was fine by her. It kept her connection to Aurélien under wraps for now, at least until he could discuss everything with his PR team.

The flutter in her stomach returned, stronger this time. Zuri took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. This was just an arrangement, she reminded herself. A business deal, essentially. So why did it feel like something was shifting?

As she continued packing, Zuri found herself both dreading and eagerly anticipating the weekend ahead. Whatever was happening between her and Aurélien, whatever this strange new dynamic was, it was clear that Mallorca would be more than just another away game.

The quiet creak of the front door snapped Zuri from her thoughts, followed by the rapid patter of paws and excited barking that echoed through the house. Aurélien was back from training. Zuri took a steadying breath, running her hands over the fresh curls of her new hairstyle. It wasn’t nerves, she told herself—just an adjustment.

When she stepped into the foyer, Aurélien was petting Zeus. He turned at the sound of her footsteps, his eyes widening slightly as they landed on her.

"Nice hair," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ready for dinner?"

Zuri gave a small nod, a bit of warmth creeping up her neck under his approving gaze. "Thanks. Let’s go."

Zuri followed him to his Porsche 911 Turbo S. She watched as Aurélien opened the passenger door for her, waiting patiently for her to slip inside before moving to the opposite side of the car, sliding into the driver's seat, his movements fluid and graceful. His large hands gripped the steering wheel with a casual confidence.

Aurélien navigated the Madrid streets with ease, his muscular forearms flexing slightly as he shifted gears. Zuri found herself stealing glances at his him, the strong line of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes as he focused on the road. The way he handled the powerful machine with such effortless control was... undeniably attractive.

The tapas restaurant was tucked away on a quiet side street, its warm yellow lights spilling onto the cobblestone sidewalk. Inside, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Exposed brick walls were adorned with vintage posters, and the air was filled with the enticing aroma of garlic and saffron.

They slipped into a corner booth, the noise of the restaurant — soft chatter and the occasional clink of glasses — fading into the background. Zuri finally exhaled fully, feeling some of the unease of the past few weeks start to melt away.

"So," Aurélien said, popping an olive into his mouth, "tell me more about New York. What do you miss most?"

Zuri's mind flooded with images of her favorite coffee shop, late nights with friends, the constant buzz of the city. "Everything," she admitted. "But mostly my friends. It's... different here."

Aurélien nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It takes time," he said softly. "But Madrid has a way of growing on you."

His voice was quieter now, less assured, like he was offering something personal. Zuri tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her. "How long did it take you?"

Aurélien smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Longer than I care to admit."

Over plates of patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo, their conversation turned to lighter topics. Zuri discovered that, despite his tough exterior, Aurélien had a soft spot for cheesy rom-coms, something that made her laugh out loud. She countered by confessing her own secret obsession with true crime podcasts, to which Aurélien, smirked and nodded in concurrence, as if he wasn’t surprised by her revelation.

"How's your father?" Aurélien asked as they shared a plate of churros. "No more late-night calls?"

Zuri shook her head. "No calls, but my mom's been texting. Sending over documents and stuff." She hesitated before adding, "My brother's not speaking to my dad right now. He's... not happy about this whole situation."

Aurélien's brow furrowed. "Is he trying to get you to come home?"

Zuri shrugged, suddenly finding the tablecloth fascinating. "I guess. I don't know how I feel about it. We'll cross that bridge if we get there, I suppose."

Something flickered across Aurélien's face, an expression Zuri couldn't quite decipher. Was it concern? Disappointment? Before she could analyze it further, it was gone, replaced by his usual calm demeanor.

The drive back home was quiet. Zuri found her mind racing. Did Aurélien care if she went back to New York? It had barely been two weeks - surely he hadn't gotten attached to her already? And more pressingly, why did the thought of leaving make her feel so... unsettled?

She snuck a glance at Aurélien, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the passing streetlights. He was still a mystery to her, this man she was supposed to marry. But with every passing day, every conversation, that mystery was starting to unravel bit by bit.

And for the first time, Zuri wasn’t sure if she was ready for what she’d find at the heart of it all.

They arrived back at the house, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with an undercurrent of... something. Aurélien settled onto the couch, stretching his long legs out in front of him. Zuri, suddenly feeling awkward, started to head towards her room.

"Where are you going?" Aurélien's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Oh, I, uh... just thought I'd turn in early," Zuri stammered, the excuse sounding weak even to her own ears.

Aurélien arched an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a small smirk. "Nah, ZuZu, come sit down so we can finish this crime documentary series."

Zuri blinked in surprise. Well, damn okay... she thought, surprised and slightly aroused by his somewhat commanding tone.

She made her way back to the couch, where Aurélien patted a spot eagerly next to him - real close. She did as she was told, flabbergasted by the shift in his demeanor from the restaurant to now.

As usual, he'd thrown her for a loop, but she tried to relax as he grabbed the remote, pressed the Netflix icon, and resumed the limited series they'd been watching.

As the episode played, Aurélien couldn't seem to contain his commentary. "Man, some guys are just shit, you know?" he muttered, shaking his head at the latest revelation in the case.

Zuri gave him a look, half amused, half skeptical.

"What?" Aurélien countered, catching her expression. "You know you've been thinking it."

A small smile appeared on Zuri's lips, unable to deny it. As they continued watching, she found herself relaxing into the couch, acutely aware of Aurélien's presence beside her. The warmth of his body, the subtle scent of his cologne, the way his arm brushed against hers when he gestured at the screen...

When they finally finished the crime documentary series, Aurélien decided to turn on a random rom-com. Zuri felt his fingers graze her shoulder as he reached for the remote, sending a shiver down her spine. These light touches were becoming more frequent, and she found herself both thrilled and terrified by them.

For doing something in their routine together, she was slowly beginning to realize if this was "their thing" now, which was weird because that's something couples do and last time she checked, they were far from it, despite having a wedding on the horizon.

If they even have a wedding, that is.

Her brother was hellbent on having her engagement ended, which she couldn't agree more of due to the ridiculousness of it all - however, Aurélien could be worse. He could be mean, old, and an all-around shitty guy but from her interactions with Lila and his teammates as well as their time together, that was not him at all.

All in all, it was a lot to think about.

"My dad called me earlier today," Aurélien revealed, making small talk.

"Oh? What did he say?" Zuri didn't dare to glance into his hypnotic gaze, fearing she'll get trapped in it once again. Usually, she enjoyed the attention from a guy, but Aurélien's eyes seemed to bore into one's soul and she didn't need to further complicate her feelings.

"Stuff about your bride price," he said, letting out an amused miff. "You're not cheap, ZuZu."

"And you expected that I was?" She retorted sassily, taking this moment to stare directly at him. Big fucking mistake! He glanced at her, head cocked to the side and his bottom lip pulled between his teeth. It was sexy - dangerously so and she immediately shifted her gaze back onto the television.

"Never," he said finally and she could still feel his eyes on her, making her swallow and shift uncomfortably in her seat. "You're expensive." Hearing him say that in regards to her bride price and essentially buying her off should make her inwardly cringe, but Aurélien's deep timbre and underlying calmness just made her body's temperature rise and her heart thump like a jackrabbit.

"How much am I, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Merde, enough," he said playfully, kissing his teeth. "The elders think so too. Your father never talked to you about your bride price? Or at least your mother?"

"Nope, if you couldn't figure it out already, I'm as Americanized as one can get."

"Hmm," he began, "well it mentions a newly built house for your grandmother, a dozen cattle for your uncle, tithes to the church, jewelry, and some gift for your parents."

Her parents? "What?" That made her stare back at him. She was fine with her grandmother's new house and cattle for her uncle - only because she loved them both dearly and they were the complete opposite of her father - but she drew the line at a gift for her parents. "Like what exactly?"

"Bride's choice," he told her, "however your dad told mine that you wanted him to have a new car."

Of course he fucking did! "What?!"

"Yeah, figured that isn't true, especially after you mentioned at dinner that you haven't spoken with him recently. Glad we got that cleared up."

Zuri felt a surge of anger towards her father, but it was quickly overshadowed by a wave of gratitude towards Aurélien. He'd seen through her father's lie, had understood her well enough to know she wouldn't have made that request.

"Thank you," she said softly, meeting his eyes. "For not... assuming."

Aurélien's gaze softened, and for a moment, Zuri felt like she could drown in those eyes. "Of course," he murmured. "We're in this together, remember?"

As they turned back to the movie, Zuri found herself leaning slightly closer to Aurélien.

"Have you ever been to Mallorca?" Aurélien asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Zuri nodded. "Yeah, actually. I went with my best friend Senait a couple of years ago."

"Senait?" Aurélien repeated, his accent wrapping around the unfamiliar name.

"She's Eritrean," Zuri explained. "We've been friends since college. I miss her like crazy." She sighed, a wistful smile on her face. "We text all the time, but it's not the same, you know?"

Aurélien nodded thoughtfully. "I'll see if she can come to Madrid."

"Are you for real?" Zuri asked, straightening in her seat.

"Yeah, you miss your best friend. Have to fly her out."

"Oh Aurél, thank you!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. He tentatively hugged her back, and when she pulled back slightly, their faces were mere inches apart. "I really appreciate it," she said softly, her eyes locked on his.

"Y-yeah, of course," he replied, not moving from their embrace. "But after our families leave, okay?"

"Okay," Zuri agreed, reluctantly moving back to her spot on the couch. She glanced at her phone, trying to break whatever spell had fallen over them. "We should head to bed. It's getting late, and we have an early flight."

"Didn't realize how late it was, shit," Aurélien said, standing up quickly then leaned forward to place a kiss on her temple. "Good night, ma chérie."

"Good night," Zuri responded in a daze, watching as he headed upstairs with Zeus at his heels.

After turning off the TV, Zuri retreated to her room. She put a few last-minute items in her carry-on before starting her nightly routine.

She began by carefully brushing her hair, sweeping it around her head like a crown. With practiced movements, she secured it with duck clips, then wrapped a silk scarf around her head. Finally, she pulled on her satin bonnet, ensuring every strand was protected.

As she went through her skincare routine and brushed her teeth, Zuri's mind kept drifting back to Aurélien. The warmth of his embrace, the intensity in his eyes when they'd been so close...

Slipping into bed, she couldn't help but smile. Despite all the complications and uncertainties, she had to admit – being in Aurélien's arms had felt pretty damn good.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Aurélien was sitting on the couch, relaxed, with Zuri tucked into his side. The faint glow of the TV flickered across the room as they watched Netflix, the air thick with a quiet, easy comfort. Zuri laughed at something on screen, her head falling against his shoulder as she glanced up at him, eyes warm and bright.

"I got you something," Aurélien murmured, turning toward her.

Her face lit up with excitement. "Really? What is it?"

Instead of answering, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, neatly wrapped box. Her arms flew around his neck in a tight embrace, catching him off guard. The way she held him, pressed so close, made his pulse quicken. The feel of her body against his — soft, warm, familiar — shifted something in him.

The hug lingered, and then, as if on instinct, their eyes met, and before either of them could think twice, he kissed her. It started slow, innocent, but quickly grew heated. Zuri responded just as eagerly, her hands sliding into his hair, pulling him closer.

In one swift movement, he had her beneath him on the couch. The movie long forgotten, he trailed kisses down her neck, his hands slipping under her shirt, finding the warmth of her skin. Zuri gasped softly, arching into him, her fingers clutching his shoulders. He gripped her thighs, pulling her legs around his waist, settling between them as the tension between them escalated to something primal.

With their clothes off, he then entered her in one smooth thrust, a groan escaping his throat as her body wrapped around his. The sensation was overwhelming, her tight heat drawing him deeper, her soft moans driving him wild. Every movement felt electric, like they were perfectly in sync, the rhythm of their bodies a perfect match. He buried his face in her neck, losing himself in the feeling of her, the taste of her, everything he’d imagined and more.

Just as he was reaching the peak, his iPhone alarm blared into the quiet room, yanking him from the vivid dream. Aurélien bolted upright, chest heaving, his body slick with sweat. He glanced down, cursing under his breath as he saw the wet spot in the crotch of his boxers, his semi-deflated morning wood still straining against the fabric.

"Merde," he muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, planting his face in his hands. His breath came in heavy, uneven bursts as he tried to shake the remnants of the dream.

It had been a long time — years, in fact — since he’d had a wet dream this vivid. And what made it worse was that it wasn’t some random woman; it was Zuri. The woman sleeping just downstairs. His future wife. His attraction to her had been steadily growing since she’d arrived, but this? This was something different altogether.

His body was reacting to her in ways he couldn’t control, ways he hadn’t prepared for. And now? It was only going to get worse. He could feel it, deep in his gut, how much he wanted her. The dream had made it clear — too clear.

Aurélien sighed, standing up and padding toward the bathroom, slipping off his boxers and turning the shower on. The water was cold at first, a shock to his heated skin, but he needed it. He stepped in, the stream pounding against his tense muscles as his mind wandered back to Zuri.

She had felt so good in his arms, so right. And that kiss… The way she melted into him in the dream. If that was any indication of how things might go between them in reality, he knew they would be explosive together. His body still throbbed at the memory, but he pushed it aside. They hadn’t even touched each other like that yet. But eventually, they would.

They were going to be sharing a bed soon enough, and the way things were going, it wouldn’t be long before they crossed that line. Sex would be second nature at that point. Yet, as much as he wanted it, he couldn’t ignore the complications it would bring. Sleeping together would blur the lines even more, making their situation more real, more tangled.

But then again, what could he do? Send her back to New York? Even if he did, he’d still be thinking about her, yearning for her from thousands of kilometers away. She was under his skin now, and there was no easy way to shake it.

He finished his shower, drying off quickly before getting dressed. His mind was still clouded with thoughts of Zuri as he moved around the room, grabbing his things for the day. They had a flight to catch — another match, another distraction. Maybe that would help, though he doubted it.

As he headed downstairs into the living room with his bags in tow, Zuri was already there, scrolling through her phone as she waited with her carry-on. She looked up when he entered, her face lighting up with a smile that only made his chest tighten. He couldn’t help but let his eyes linger on her for a moment longer than usual, the memory of the dream flashing in his mind.

"You ready?" she asked, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside him.

Aurélien nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, let’s go."

He petted Zeus goodbye and sent a text out to his chef, letting him know they were leaving and to come to check on his dog before they headed out to the car and drove to the airport. His hands gripped the wheel a little tighter than necessary. He tried to focus on the road, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her, to that dream, to how much he wanted her in ways he hadn’t even admitted to himself yet.

This is going to get messy, he thought, his jaw tightening. Really messy.

______________________________________________

Zuri shifted in her seat of Aurélien's Porsche, immediately noticing the shift in his demeanor. Gone was the warmth and playfulness from the night before, replaced by a tense silence that filled the car like a heavy fog.

She tried to engage him in conversation, even commenting on the SZA song playing softly on the radio, but Aurélien remained frustratingly aloof. His jaw was set, his eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead.

Letting out an almost brat-like harrumph, Zuri folded her arms over her chest and pouted as she glanced out the window. What the hell was his problem?

When they arrived at the airport, Zuri didn't wait for Aurélien to open her door. She marched to the trunk, pulling out her carry-on and weekender tote with more force than necessary.

"ZuZu, let me—" Aurélien started.

"No, I got it," she said curtly, causing Aurélien to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"Chérie, what do you think you're—"

"My favorite couple - Mr. and Mrs. Tchouaméni!" Camavinga's voice cut through the tension as he approached with open arms. "Ready to kick Mallorca's ass, Aurél?"

Zuri didn't stick around to hear Aurélien's response. She breezed past them like a bat out of hell, clipping Aurélien's arm as she went.

"ZuZu," he called after her, but Zuri's only response was a raised middle finger as she stormed into the airport.

Her mind raced as she made her way to the TSA checkpoint. How could she have been so stupid? Thinking he was sweet, that he actually cared about her wellbeing. God, she hated how he made her feel, how quickly he could go from charming to cold. She just wanted to go home.

As Zuri stood in the TSA line, fumbling with her passport and mobile ticket, a commotion behind her caught her attention. She glanced back to see the Real Madrid team striding through the airport, a small crowd of fans and paparazzi trailing in their wake.

Her eyes landed on Jude and Lila, walking hand in hand. To her surprise, Jude suddenly changed course, guiding Lila towards the TSA line where Zuri stood.

"Hey, Z," Jude greeted with a warm smile. "Thought you'd be with Aurélien."

Zuri managed a tight smile in response, not trusting herself to speak.

Lila's eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the tension. "Yeah, why didn't you walk in with him?"

Before Zuri could formulate a response, Jude glanced at his watch. "Shit, I've got to go. See you on the other side, babes." He gave Lila a quick kiss, nodded to Zuri, and jogged off to catch up with his teammates.

As soon as Jude was out of earshot, Lila turned to Zuri, eyebrow raised. "Okay, spill. What's going on?"

Zuri let out a groan that seemed to come from her very soul.

"Oh," Lila said, understanding dawning on her face. "Lover's spat?"

Zuri nodded, her frustration evident in every line of her body. "He's being... I don't even know. Last night he was all sweet and considerate, and this morning it's like I don't even exist."

Lila linked her arm through Zuri's, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Men," she said, rolling her eyes. "They're all idiots sometimes. Even the good ones."

As they inched forward in the line, Zuri found herself spilling the whole story to Lila - the cozy evening, the morning's cold shoulder, her confusion and anger.

Lila listened attentively, offering sympathetic nods and the occasional "What an ass" at appropriate moments. By the time they reached the front of the line, Zuri felt marginally better, if no less confused.

"Look," Lila said as they gathered their belongings post-security check, "I don't know what's going on in Aurélien's head, but I do know he's not usually like this. Give him some time to sort himself out. And in the meantime," she added with a mischievous grin, "we'll have ourselves a girls' weekend in Mallorca. Show him what he's missing."

Despite herself, Zuri felt a smile tugging at her lips. She might be stuck in this bizarre arranged marriage situation, but at least she had found a true friend in Lila. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a total disaster after all.

As they made their way to their gate, Zuri caught sight of Aurélien in the distance, his tall frame unmistakable even from afar. She squared her shoulders, lifting her chin defiantly. Whatever game he was playing, she refused to be a pawn. Two could play at this hot-and-cold routine, and Zuri was ready to give as good as she got.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Aurélien stepped off the private jet, the warm Mallorca air hitting him like a wall. His teammates chattered excitedly around him, but he barely registered their words. His mind was still back at the airport in Madrid, replaying the hurt and anger in Zuri's eyes as she stormed away from him.

He hadn't meant to be so cold, but the dream from the night before had shaken him more than he cared to admit. The intensity of his growing feelings for Zuri terrified him. This was supposed to be an arrangement, nothing more. And yet...

"Oi, Tchouaméni!" Jude's voice cut through his thoughts. "You coming or what?"

Aurélien blinked, realizing he'd been standing at the foot of the jet's stairs, lost in thought. He nodded, hefting his bag and following his teammates to the waiting bus.

As he settled into a seat, Camavinga dropped down beside him. "Trouble in paradise?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes concerned.

Aurélien grunted noncommittally, but Camavinga wasn't deterred. "Come on, man. We all saw that little scene at the airport. What's going on with you and Zuri?"

For a moment, Aurélien considered brushing him off. But the weight of his confused emotions was becoming too much to bear alone. "I don't know," he admitted quietly. "It's all... it's complicated."

Camavinga nodded sympathetically. "Arranged marriages usually are. But Zuri seems cool. And you two looked pretty cozy that night at dinner in Warsaw."

Aurélién's head snapped up. "You saw that?"

"Hard to miss," Camavinga grinned. "You were practically undressing her with your eyes."

Aurélien felt heat creep up his neck. "It's not like that," he muttered, but even to his own ears, the protest sounded weak.

"Sure it's not," Camavinga said, his tone making it clear he didn't believe a word. "Look, man, I get it. This whole situation is weird. But pushing her away isn't going to make it any less complicated. If anything, it'll just make you both miserable."

As the bus pulled away from the tarmac, Aurélien found himself mulling over Camavinga's words. He'd been so focused on maintaining distance, on not getting too invested, that he'd hurt Zuri in the process. The memory of her raised middle finger as she stormed away made him wince.

"I fucked up, didn't I?" he said, more to himself than to Camavinga.

His teammate clapped him on the shoulder. "Probably. But the good news is, you can still fix it. Just... talk to her, man. Be honest."

Aurélien nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. He'd find Zuri as soon as they got to the hotel. He'd apologize, explain himself.

As the bus pulled up to the hotel - or rather, the sprawling villa that would serve as their accommodations - Jude let out a low whistle. "Well, this is a step up from last year," he chuckled, eyeing the lush gardens and sparkling pool visible from the driveway.

The team filed off the bus, their excited chatter filling the air. Ancelotti's voice cut through the noise, reminding them of their early morning practice before granting them the evening off.

Aurélien's eyes immediately scanned the area, landing on another bus where the players' girlfriends and wives were disembarking. His heart skipped a beat when he spotted Zuri, standing next to Lila.

Before he could make a move, Jude was already jogging towards the women. Aurélien watched as his teammate leaned down to whisper something in Lila's ear, causing her to gasp and take a playful swing at him. Jude easily dodged it, wrapping his arms around her and hoisting her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Jude!" Lila yelped, laughing despite her protests. "Put me down!"

"Get in there, Jude!" Vini Jr whooped, earning a thumbs up from Jude as he carried his girlfriend away, pausing only to direct a bellhop towards their luggage.

Aurélien shook his head at their antics, but his amusement faded when his eyes met Zuri's. Her gaze was cold, narrowed in clear displeasure. Taking a deep breath, he hiked his bag higher on his shoulder and approached her.

He heard her suck her teeth as he neared, her attention deliberately focused on her phone. "Zuri, can we talk?" he asked, only to be met with stony silence.

Frustration bubbled up inside him. "Seriously? You're going to ignore me?" When she continued scrolling, he acted on impulse, plucking the phone from her hand.

"What the fuck are you doing, Aurélien?" Zuri snapped, anger flashing in her eyes.

"I'm trying to talk to my fiancée," he retorted.

Zuri let out a sardonic laugh. "Oh, now I'm your fiancée? But earlier this morning, you pretended like I didn't even exist. Can you make up your mind please? I deal with this back-and-forth bullshit with my father, and I damn sure don't want it to happen in my marriage."

"I wasn't ignoring you," he lied, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

Zuri's look made it clear she wasn't buying it.

"Okay, listen," he backtracked. "I apologize for what happened in the car, okay? It's just... shit is getting real. We have our families coming in a couple of weeks, and there's still too much we have to work through." Like how much I want to fuck you, he thought, but didn't dare say. "Plus, your father is bothering my father about this whole car bullshit... and I..." he trailed off, lost in her gaze.

Zuri shook her head, exhaling heavily. "I thought we were in this together, Aurélien? You put so much effort into me, and I can't do the same? Or at least be a listening ear when things get rough? How do you expect this marriage to work?"

Her words left him speechless. "You don't have to worry about me, Zuri," he finally managed. "I have to worry about both of us, as the husband–"

"Oh, spare me this old macho, man of the house spiel!" Zuri cut him off. "We both know that's a cop-out. I know both of our fathers put us into this situation, but I can tell that your father didn't raise you to believe anything you're saying right now. Did he?"

Aurélien shook his head, unable to deny it.

"So where is this coming from? Do you hate me or something?"

"No, Zuri–"

"So what's up?"

Again, he found himself at a loss for words, struggling to explain the turmoil inside him.

Zuri let out a frustrated growl. "Fine, be like that. Until you tell me what's wrong with you, I don't have anything else to talk to you about. Now give me back my phone so I can get to my room."

Aurélien stepped aside, handed back her phone and watched helplessly as Zuri trudged away, dragging her carry-on behind her. As she disappeared into the hotel, he realized he'd somehow managed to make things even worse.

"Fuck," he muttered, running a hand over his face. He had some serious damage control to do, and he had no idea where to start.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Aurélien sauntered inside the hotel, barely registering the opulent lobby with its soaring ceilings and gleaming marble floors. He checked in mechanically, his mind still replaying his disastrous conversation with Zuri.

The elevator ride to his floor felt interminable. When he finally reached his room, he tossed his bag aside and flopped onto the plush king-sized bed, staring blankly at the ornate ceiling.

How does one apologize to their fiancée in a way that admits to their fuck-ups? he wondered. He could take the easy route – buy her some expensive jewelry and hope she'd forget the whole thing. But Zuri didn't strike him as the type of woman who'd be swayed by material gestures. And if he was honest with himself, it probably wouldn't work anyway. It certainly hadn't in his previous relationships.

Aurélien groaned, thumping his head against the pillow. He had a bad habit of being avoidant in relationship conflicts, and this wasn't how he wanted to handle things now. Not with Zuri. Not with this impending marriage that, arranged or not, was becoming increasingly important to him.

Suddenly, a rhythmic thumping from the other side of the wall interrupted his brooding. The unmistakable sound of a bed hitting the wall, accompanied by muffled moans, filled the air.

Jude, Aurélien thought with a mix of amusement and frustration. The club tended to assign rooms by position, which meant he often shared a wall with Bellingham.

He couldn't decide if this was God trying to spite him, laughing at his sexual frustration, or serving up an epiphany of how things could be if he'd just been honest with Zuri. Not that they'd immediately jump into bed together, but at least she'd know where both of his heads were at.

It made no sense how he could like a woman to the point of constant blue balls, and yet here he was. Maybe it was all the time they'd spent together over the past couple of weeks. Or maybe the elders were right – this was a "strong match."

Either way, Aurélien couldn't lie there listening to Jude's enthusiastic fucking. He hauled himself off the bed and banged on the wall a couple of times. To his surprise, the banging was returned in kind.

"Motherfucker," he cursed, hitting the wall again. This time, there was no response. Instead, a few moments later, there was a knock at his door.

Chuckling to himself, Aurélien padded over and swung it open, coming face to face with a shirtless Jude.

"The fuck you doing, mate?" Jude asked, looking more annoyed than amused.

"You guys are loud," Aurélien stated nonchalantly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jude just shrugged. "Use some AirPods or maybe stop being a dick and talk to Zuri."

That comment made Aurélien arch an eyebrow. "What the hell, Jude?"

"Lila told me what happened with you and Zuri. Really fucked up, and your bullshit almost messed up my 'special time' with my girl." Jude said. "And you know how much I enjoy our 'special time'."

"You're a fucking fiend, that's what you are," Aurélien joked, but Jude wasn't in a playful mood.

"Anyway, Lila and Z are basically besties now, so you can imagine how that works out. Fix it, Aurél." Jude said, then turned to head back to his room.

Aurélien poked his head out the doorframe. "So are you going to keep it down or...?"

"Fuck no," was Jude's response before he disappeared back into his room, the door closing firmly behind him.

Left alone in the hallway, Aurélien sighed. He had some serious thinking to do, and apparently, he'd be doing it to the soundtrack of Jude and Lila's fuckfest. Wonderful.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

_______________________________________________

Match day dawned bright and clear, the Mallorcan sun already warm despite the early hour. Zuri stood in front of the full-length mirror in her hotel room, smoothing down the front of Aurélien's jersey. The oversized garment hung loosely on her frame, the number 14 emblazoned boldly across her back. She'd paired it with high-waisted denim shorts and white sneakers, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail.

The irony of wearing his jersey wasn't lost on her. After their argument yesterday, she'd been tempted to leave it crumpled at the bottom of her suitcase. But something – stubbornness, maybe, or a desire to keep up appearances – had made her put it on.

As she applied a final swipe of lip gloss, Zuri's mind drifted back to the previous day. Aurélien's hot-and-cold behavior had left her reeling, confused, and more than a little hurt. She'd spent the evening with Lila, venting her frustrations and trying to make sense of it all.

Now, as she gathered her things to head down to the lobby, Zuri wondered if Aurélien fell into that category. Was he a good one just having a momentary lapse, or was this a glimpse of what their future held?

The knock on her door startled her out of her reverie. "Z? You ready?" Lila's voice called from the hallway.

Zuri took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. Whatever happened with Aurélien, she was determined to enjoy this day. She was in Mallorca, about to watch a professional football match up close. She wasn't going to let relationship drama ruin that.

"Coming!" she called back, grabbing her sunglasses and room key.

As she stepped into the hallway, Lila's eyes widened appreciatively. "Damn, girl. You're going to give Aurélien a heart attack in that jersey."

Zuri felt a small, satisfied smile tug at her lips. "Good," she said, linking arms with Lila. "Maybe it'll shock some sense into him."

As they made their way down to the lobby, Zuri's stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves. She was looking forward to the match, to experiencing the energy of the crowd and watching Aurélien play. But she was also dreading the inevitable moment when she'd have to face him.

What would he say? How would he act? And more importantly, how would she respond?

Stepping out into the bright Mallorcan sunshine, Zuri took another deep breath. Whatever happened, she was ready. She might be in an impending arranged marriage, but she wasn't about to let anyone – not even her future husband – treat her like she didn't matter.

Game on, Aurélien, she thought as she climbed into the waiting car. Game on.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Zuri settled into her seat at Son Moix stadium, the energy of the crowd pulsing around her. The Real Madrid fans were out in force, their white jerseys creating a sea of support amidst the red of the Mallorca faithful.

As the teams took to the field, Zuri's eyes immediately found Aurélien. Despite her lingering frustration with him, she couldn't help but admire how he looked in his kit, tall and imposing as he jogged into position. The match kicked off, and Zuri found herself caught up in the ebb and flow of the game. She watched intently as Kylian Mbappé darted across the field.

In the 23rd minute, the crowd around her erupted. Rodrygo had curled a beautiful shot into the net, courtesy of a clever backheel from Vinicius Jr. Zuri found herself on her feet, cheering along with everyone else.

"Did you see that?" Lila shouted over the noise. "That's why they call it the beautiful game!"

As the first half wore on, Zuri's attention kept drifting back to Aurélién. He was everywhere on the field, intercepting passes, setting up plays. She felt a surge of pride, which she quickly tried to tamp down. She was still mad at him, after all.

The halftime whistle blew with Real Madrid leading 1-0. As the players jogged off the field, Zuri caught Aurélién glancing up at the stands. For a moment, their eyes met, and she felt her breath catch in her throat as his eyes scanned her body, his intense gaze lingering on the jersey she wore.

"Come on," Lila said, tugging at her arm. "Let's grab some snacks before the second half starts."

As they made their way through the concourse, Zuri's mind was racing. That look... what did it mean?

The second half kicked off with renewed intensity. Mallorca came out fighting, determined to equalize. In the 66th minute, their efforts paid off. Vedat Muriqi rose above the Madrid defense to head home a cross from Dani Rodriguez.

The stadium erupted, this time with the home fans' jubilation. Zuri watched as Aurélién's shoulders slumped slightly, frustration evident in his posture.

As the match neared its end, tensions rose. Mbappé had several near misses, including a shot that flashed just wide of the post. Zuri found herself holding her breath each time he got the ball, half expecting magic to happen.

In the dying moments of the game, chaos erupted. Ferland Mendy, in a moment of desperation or poor judgment, lunged at Muriqi. The referee didn't hesitate, brandishing a red card.

"Oh shit," Lila muttered beside her. "That's not good."

The final whistle blew moments later, the match ending in a 1-1 draw. As the players trudged off the field, Zuri felt a mix of emotions. Disappointment at the result, pride in Aurélién's performance, and a lingering uncertainty about what would happen next between them.

As they filed out of the stadium, Lila turned to her. "So, are you going to talk to him?"

Zuri sighed, running a hand through her ponytail. "I guess I have to, don't I?"

Lila squeezed her arm supportively. "Just remember, you deserve answers. And respect. Don't let him off the hook too easily."

Nodding, Zuri steeled herself for what was to come. Whatever happened next, she was determined to face it head-on. No more games, no more confusion. It was time for her and Aurélien to figure out exactly what this arrangement meant for both of them.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

_____________________________________________

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the hotel's outdoor restaurant, Zuri found herself seated at a large table with Aurélien, Kylian, Eduardo, Rodrygo, Jude, and Lila. The atmosphere was surprisingly light despite the day's draw, the players seemingly determined to enjoy their extended stay in Mallorca.

The sound of clinking glasses and laughter filled the air as they perused the menu. Zuri couldn't help but feel a bit out of place, still unsure of where she stood with Aurélien.

"I still can't believe that red card," Rodrygo groaned, shaking his head. "Mendy's going to be kicking himself for days."

Kylian nodded sympathetically. "It happens, man. We'll bounce back next match."

As the waiter arrived to take their orders, Zuri found herself gravitating towards a seafood paella, figuring she might as well embrace the local cuisine.

"Excellent choice," Aurélien murmured from beside her, his voice low enough that only she could hear. She felt a shiver run down her spine but kept her expression neutral.

The conversation flowed easily as they waited for their food, the guys recounting funny moments from past matches and sharing their plans for their mini-vacation.

"I'm thinking about renting a boat tomorrow," Jude announced, his arm draped casually over Lila's shoulders. "Anyone want to join?"

"Count us in," Kylian grinned, gesturing to himself and Eduardo.

Zuri caught Lila's eye across the table, silently communicating her uncertainty. Lila gave her a small, encouraging nod.

As their meals arrived, the table fell into a comfortable silence punctuated by appreciative murmurs. Zuri had to admit, the paella was incredible, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked seafood.

"So, Zuri," Rodrygo said, breaking the silence, "what did you think of your second La Liga match?"

She swallowed her bite, aware of Aurélien's gaze on her. "It was... intense," she admitted. "I'm still learning, but I can see why you guys love it so much."

"Give it time," Kylian laughed. "Soon you'll be yelling at the ref like a pro."

As the meal wound down and they lingered over dessert and coffee, Zuri felt a gentle touch on her arm. She turned to find Aurélien looking at her, his expression unreadable.

"Can we go for a walk?" he asked quietly. "I think we need to talk."

Zuri hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."

As they stood, she noticed the others exchanging glances. Lila gave her a subtle thumbs up, while Jude nodded approvingly at Aurélien.

"We'll be back," Aurélien announced to the table. "Just going to stretch our legs a bit."

As they walked away from the restaurant, Zuri's heart was pounding. This was it. Whatever was going on between them, whatever had caused Aurélien's strange behavior, it was time to face it head-on.

As they strolled along the beach, the soft sound of waves lapping at the shore filling the air, Aurélien broke the silence.

"You looked beautiful today," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers. "I was... distracted during the game."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why's that?"

Aurélien's lips quirked into a sheepish smile. "You looked so fucking hot in my jersey. Got me geekin' like Jude when I spotted you."

Suddenly, the intense look he'd given her at halftime made sense. "Oh?" she teased, a warmth spreading through her chest.

"I was this close to jumping over the barrier and kissing you, swear to God," he said, pinching his thumb and forefinger together for emphasis.

Zuri couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. As their laughter died down, she shook her head, inwardly frustrated at how quickly her anger was dissipating.

They walked further down the beach, the tension between them slowly easing. Finally, Aurélien stopped, turning to face her.

"Zuri, I'm sorry," he said, his voice sincere. "I... I've been struggling with something."

She waited, her heart pounding.

"I’m starting to like you," he admitted, his eyes searching hers. "And that scares the shit out of me."

Zuri felt her breath catch in her throat. "You’re... starting to like me?"

Aurélien nodded, looking almost vulnerable. "Yeah. I am."

Without thinking, Zuri stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him. His arms tightened around her waist, the embrace lingering.

When they pulled back slightly, Aurélien's gaze dropped to her lips. He bit his bottom lip, a gesture Zuri was quickly coming to adore, and leaned in.

Zuri felt herself leaning forward too, her eyes starting to close...

"¡Disculpe! ¿Señor Tchouaméni?"

They jumped apart as a fan approached, speaking rapid Spanish. Zuri didn't understand until the person handed her their phone, asking in broken English for her to take a photo.

After the impromptu photo session, they found themselves alone again. Aurélien rubbed his neck nervously.

"We should probably head back to the group," he suggested, not mentioning their almost-kiss.

Zuri nodded, surprised but deciding not to push it. They'd had enough drama for one day. As they walked back towards the restaurant, a comfortable silence settled between them. Zuri's mind kept replaying their almost-kiss, her lips tingling with the memory of how close they'd been. She stole a glance at Aurélien, catching him doing the same. Their eyes met, and a shy smile spread across both their faces.

Sure they hadn't kissed yet, but Zuri had a feeling it was only a matter of time. And for once, the thought of her arranged marriage didn't fill her with dread.

The yacht cut through the azure waters, leaving a frothy trail in its wake. Aurélien leaned against the railing, his eyes fixed on Zuri, a cold red solo cup sweating in his hand. She was at the bow with Lila, their animated chatter punctuated by bursts of laughter that carried over the sound of Don Toliver's latest track thumping from the yacht's speakers.

"Man, you've got it bad," Jude chuckled, dropping into the seat beside him.

Aurélien shrugged, not bothering to deny it. "She's... something else."

"Tell me about it," Camavinga chimed in, joining them. "Never thought I'd see the day when you got whipped."

The guys laughed, but Aurélien didn't mind the teasing. His eyes were drawn back to Zuri, watching as she threw her head back in laughter at something Lila said.

Zuri turned, catching his eye. She flashed him a smile that made his stomach do a little flip, and he found himself grinning back like an idiot.

"You know," Kylian said, "it's nice to see Zuri settling in. Lila's been good for her.”

Aurélien nodded, grateful that Zuri had found a friend in this new world she'd been thrust into. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, his eyes drawn back to her as if magnetized.

The day unfolded in a blur of laughter and sea spray. Aurélien found himself constantly torn between wanting to be near Zuri and trying to give her space. He was determined to do this right, to really get to know her beyond the confines of their arrangement. But damn if it wasn’t hard to keep his hands to himself when she looked like that in her bikini.

The sun-kissed her skin, highlighting every curve in the most tempting way. Her bikini was simple, nothing overly flashy — yet it hugged her body in all the right places, the soft fabric clinging to her hips, and her chest, making his throat dry. And then there were her nipple piercings, barely visible through the thin top but enough to drive him insane. They were just subtle enough to tease, small hints of metal catching the light each time she moved, taunting him. His eyes kept drifting back to them, imagining what they’d feel like beneath his fingertips, his tongue.

Focus, he scolded himself, dragging his gaze away, but it was impossible not to notice her, and he fought back a groan.

Zuri, oblivious to the firestorm raging inside him, turned to face him, her lips curled into a teasing smile. "You good over there?"

He blinked, his mouth dry as he forced a grin. "Yeah… just, uh… taking it all in."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Mhm. Sure."

And as the day wore on, Aurélien realized something: he was completely fucked. This attraction wasn’t going anywhere. If anything, it was only growing stronger, pulling him closer to her like a riptide. And the more he tried to fight it, the harder it became to resist.

When Zuri decided to try paddleboarding, Aurélien couldn't resist swimming over to her. She was wobbling precariously, her face set in adorable determination.

"Need some help there?" he called out, treading water nearby.

Zuri shot him a playful glare. "I've got this, thank you very much."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a small wave caught her off guard, sending her tumbling into the water with a yelp. Aurélien was there in an instant, helping her surface.

"You were saying?" he teased, earning himself a splash of water to the face.

Their laughter mingled with the salt spray, and for a moment, Aurélien forgot about everything else – the arrangement, the pressure, the uncertainty.

Later, as the sun began to set, Aurélien found himself alone with Zuri at the stern. Before he could overthink it, he blurted out, "Hey, when we get back to Madrid, you wanna go out sometime?"

"Like a date?" Zuri looked surprised, then amused. "You mean, like normal people who aren't in an arranged marriage?"

"Yeah, exactly like that. I want to do this right, you know? Get to know you without all the..." he waved his hand vaguely, "arranged bullshit hanging over us. You down?"

Zuri studied him for a moment, her dark eyes searching his face. The vulnerability in her expression made his chest tighten in a way he wasn't quite ready to examine.

"Yeah," she said finally, her voice soft. "I'm down."

Aurélien's lips curled into a smirk, his eyebrow arching playfully. "Okay, so you want to get to know me better too, huh?" The teasing lilt in his voice barely masked the genuine curiosity underneath.

Zuri rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her gaze betrayed her amusement. "Don't get too full of yourself," she shot back, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

"All jokes aside," he said, his voice softening, "I mean it. I'd like to get to know you better. No rush, no pressure — just us."

"Sounds good," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the lapping waves.

Aurélien felt a smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Then we'll take it one step at a time."

TO BE CONTINUED....

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (5/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, angst, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie @trinitoldyouso @lottins-only

A/N: Please let me know if you want to be removed from the tag list Thank you again for your love and appreciation!

Zuri stood in front of her full-length mirror, smoothing down the front of her nude corset top for what felt like the hundredth time. Paired with high-waisted black trousers, the outfit was sleek and stylish, but she couldn't shake the nervous energy thrumming through her body.

"Girl, you look fine as hell. Stop fussing," Senait's voice crackled through her phone's speaker.

Zuri glanced at her best friend's face on the screen, propped up against her vanity. "I know, I know. I just… I want this to go well, you know?"

Senait's laugh filled the room. "It's a date with your own damn husband. How bad could it be?"

"Fiancé," Zuri corrected automatically. "And you'd be surprised. Things have been… complicated."

It had been a few days since their return from Mallorca, and Aurélien's schedule had been insane. Between training sessions for the upcoming match against Valladolid and team meetings, she'd barely seen him. But tonight… tonight was theirs.

"Complicated how?" Senait pressed. "Last I heard, you two were getting cozy on some fancy yacht."

Zuri felt her cheeks warm at the memory. "It's not like that. We're just… figuring things out."

"Mhm," Senait hummed, clearly unconvinced. "And does 'figuring things out' usually involve you trying on every outfit you own?"

"Shut up," Zuri laughed, but there was no heat in it. God, she missed this – the easy banter, the shared jokes. "I just want to look nice. Is that a crime?"

"For Mr. Soccer Superstar? Nah, girl. Knock him dead."

As Zuri applied the finishing touches to her makeup, she filled Senait in on the whirlwind of the past few days – the tension, the almost-kisses, the slowly building… something between her and Aurélien.

"Sounds to me like you're catching feelings," Senait teased.

Zuri rolled her eyes, but she couldn't quite deny it. "It's not… I mean, we barely know each other."

"And yet here you are, nervous as a teenager before prom."

Before Zuri could retort, her phone buzzed with a text. Aurélien:

On my way. Can't wait to see you.

A flutter of anticipation curled in her stomach. "He's on his way," she told Senait, unable to keep the smile out of her voice.

"Alright, alright. Go get your man. And Z?" Senait's voice softened. "Have fun, okay? You deserve it."

As Zuri ended the call, she took one last look in the mirror. Her reflection stared back, a mix of excitement and nerves clear in her eyes. This wasn't how she'd imagined her life going, but standing here, about to go on a date with her arranged fiancé… she couldn't bring herself to regret it.

The sound of the front door opening and Zeus' excited barks filled the house. She could hear Aurélien talking to the dog in French, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

"ZuZu? You ready?" he called out.

Taking a deep breath, Zuri grabbed her clutch and headed down the hall. She saw Aurélien standing in the foyer, looking devastatingly handsome in white jeans and a graphic t-shirt, his usual Van Cleef and Arpels and Cartier bracelets glinting on his wrist alongside a silver watch. In his hand was a bouquet of flowers.

"Lilies, right?" he said, offering her the bouquet with a smile. "I swore you mentioned those were your favorite."

Zuri felt her heart skip a beat. "You remembered," she said softly, taking the flowers.

The drive to the restaurant was filled with comfortable small talk, the city lights of Madrid sliding past the windows of Aurélien's car. The sushi place was a sleek, modern establishment, all clean lines and soft lighting.

As they settled into their seats, Zuri felt the last of her nerves melting away. This was Aurélien, after all. The man she'd been living with, laughing with, slowly getting to know.

"So," Aurélien said, his eyes twinkling over the menu, "tell me something I don't know about you yet."

Zuri laughed, the sound light and genuine. "That's a dangerous question, Tchouaméni. You sure you're ready for all my secrets?"

His answering grin sent a warmth spreading through her chest. "Try me," he challenged.

Zuri took a sip of her drink, considering. "Alright, here's one: I'm terrified of butterflies."

Aurélien's eyebrows shot up. "Butterflies? Really?"

She nodded, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. "Something about the way they flutter. Freaks me out."

"Noted," Aurélien chuckled. "No butterfly gardens in our future."

The casual mention of their future sent a little thrill through Zuri. "Your turn," she said, deflecting. "What's something I don't know about you?"

Aurélien leaned back, his fingers toying with the stem of his glass. "I play the piano to calm down after a crazy day."

"I've noticed," Zuri admitted. "I've heard you playing sometimes. You're good."

A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "I'm alright," he said, taking a sip of his mojito.

"Don't be modest," Zuri pressed. "How long have you been playing?"

"Since I was a kid," he replied. "My mother insisted. Said it would give me discipline."

Zuri could picture it – a young Aurélien, all gangly limbs and serious expression, bent over piano keys. "Did it?"

He shrugged, that effortlessly cool demeanor never faltering. "Maybe. Or maybe I just needed an excuse to sit still for a while."

Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by the arrival of various sushi rolls. Zuri found herself leaning in, drawn by Aurélien's quiet charisma and the glimpses he was offering into his world.

"Okay, another secret," she said, popping a piece of sashimi into her mouth. "I can't whistle. At all."

Aurélien's laugh was low and warm. "Now that's tragic. How do you call for taxis?"

"I wave my arms like a lunatic," she deadpanned, making him laugh again.

Zuri felt herself relaxing more and more. This didn't feel like a dinner date with an almost stranger, an arranged fiancé. It felt… right. Natural. Like maybe, they were on the verge of something real.

After dinner, they made their way to Topgolf, the sprawling entertainment complex near Civitas Metropolitano. The night air was cool against Zuri's skin as they stepped out of the car, a stark contrast to the warmth she felt every time Aurélien's hand brushed against hers.

"Ever played before?" Aurélien asked as they were led to their bay.

Zuri shook her head. "Unless mini-golf counts?"

His answering grin was both amused and challenging. "Oh, we're going to have fun with this."

As Zuri took her first few swings, it became clear that golf was not her forte. Her shots went wide, barely making it past the first marker.

"Here," Aurélien said, stepping closer. "Let me show you."

He moved behind her, his chest pressed against her back as his hands came to rest on her hips. Zuri felt her breath catch in her throat.

"You want to rotate your hips like this," he murmured, guiding her through the motion. His breath was warm against her ear, and she could feel the solid presence of his body against hers.

As he adjusted her stance, Zuri became acutely aware of every point of contact between them. The warmth of his hands on her hips, the strength in his arms as he guided her swing, and… oh. The unmistakable pressure of his heavy crotch against her backside.

Ho-ly fuck, that cannot be all him, can it?

She swallowed hard, trying to focus on the golf ball and not the heat building low in her belly. "Like this?" she managed to ask, her voice sounding breathier than she intended.

"Perfect," Aurélien said, his voice low and intimate in a way that had nothing to do with golf instruction.

As she took her swing, the ball soaring further than any of her previous attempts, Zuri couldn't help but wonder if this was still just about getting to know each other. Because right now, with Aurélien's body pressed against hers, it felt like something much more.

Like he was trying to fuck.

Aurélien's hands lingered on her hips for a moment longer than necessary. When he finally stepped back, she felt the loss of his warmth acutely.

"Not bad," he said, his voice still low and intimate. "Want to try again?"

Zuri nodded, not trusting her voice. As she lined up her next shot, Aurélien moved close once more, his presence both comforting and electrifying.

"Remember," he murmured, his hands ghosting over her arms to adjust her grip, "it's all in the follow-through."

His proximity was intoxicating, making it hard for Zuri to focus on anything but the heat of his body and the subtle scent of his cologne.

After a few more attempts, each accompanied by Aurélien's "hands-on" guidance, he finally stepped back with a satisfied nod.

"Alright, ma belle," he said, his signature smirk playing on his lips as he reached for a club. "Step aside and let me show you how an expert works."

Zuri moved out of the way, grateful for the chance to catch her breath and calm her racing heart. As Aurélien took his stance, she couldn't help but admire the fluid grace of his movements, the way his muscles flexed beneath his shirt.

He glanced back at her, that cocky grin still in place. "Watch and learn, ZuZu."

As he swung, the ball arced perfectly through the air, landing squarely in one of the furthest targets. Aurélien turned back to her, eyebrow raised in a silent challenge.

"Show off," Zuri teased, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach at the intensity of his gaze.

"Your turn," he said, holding out the club to her. "Let's see if my teaching methods stuck."

Zuri stepped up again to take her shot, she couldn't help but hope he'd offer some more of that hands-on instruction. This "getting to know you" date was quickly turning into something far more charged, and she found she didn't mind one bit.

Aurélien's cleats dug into the pristine turf of Ciudad Real Madrid Florentino Pérez as he ran drills with Camavinga. His body moved on autopilot, muscle memory taking over while his mind wandered back to last night at Topgolf.

Fuck, he thought, gritting his teeth as he remembered the feel of Zuri's body against his. What kind of masochist was he, putting himself through that torture? The memory of her warmth, the subtle scent of her perfume, the way she'd leaned into him… it had taken every ounce of his self-control not to do something stupid right there in the golf bay.

He'd spent half the night in a cold shower, desperately trying to cool off, only to be plagued by another vivid dream that left him aching and frustrated. Part of him argued that he shouldn't feel guilty - they were engaged, after all. But Aurélien didn't want his growing arousal to muddle the genuine feelings that were developing between them.

It hadn't all been sexual tension, though. He smiled, remembering their easy conversation, the way Zuri's laugh had made his chest tighten in the best way possible. It had been… nice. Really nice.

The shrill blast of Ancelotti's whistle cut through his thoughts, bringing practice to an abrupt halt.

"Tchouaméni!" the coach called out. "Communications department wants to see you."

A chorus of "Oooh" rose from his teammates, and Aurélien felt his stomach drop. Being summoned to Communications was like being sent to the headmaster's office - it usually meant you'd fucked up somehow. Had some compromising photos surfaced? But he hadn't been to any wild parties lately, hadn't done anything that could be considered scandalous.

With a resigned sigh, Aurélien jogged off the pitch, ignoring the curious glances from his teammates. As he made his way through the complex, his mind raced. What could they possibly want? He'd been careful, especially lately. Hell, his most risqué recent activity had been teaching his fiancée how to golf.

The walk to the Communications department felt longer than usual, each step heavy with apprehension. Whatever was waiting for him behind that door, Aurélien steeled himself to face it head-on. He just hoped it wouldn't derail the progress he'd been making with Zuri. After all, they had their families arriving soon, and the last thing he needed was some PR nightmare complicating things further.

Taking a deep breath, Aurélien knocked on the door, bracing himself for whatever was to come. He stepped into the Communications department, his heart racing as he saw his PR team seated around a table. The atmosphere was tense, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to drop.

"Aurélien, have a seat," his PR agent, Marco, said, gesturing to an empty chair.

As he sat down, Marco slid a glossy photo across the table. Aurélien's breath caught in his throat. It was him and Zuri from last night, caught in an intimate moment at Topgolf, his body pressed close to hers as he "helped" with her swing.

"The Daily Mail is releasing an article with these photos in about..." Marco glanced at his watch, "ten minutes."

Aurélien felt his sick to his stomsch. "Shit," he muttered.

The team quickly outlined their predicament. The original plan to introduce Zuri to the media was now shot to hell. The Communications team looked shocked when the arranged marriage was mentioned, but they quickly recovered.

"We suggest not revealing the engagement," one of them said. "For now, let's present this as a regular relationship. It'll keep the noise down."

Aurélien nodded, remembering all too well how crazy things could get when a footballer's love life became public. His last relationship had been a nightmare, the media frenzy ultimately contributing to its demise.

"Aurélien," Marco said, his voice serious, "you need to tell Zuri about this. Now."

Aurélien nodded, "I'll call her when I get home—"

"No," Marco cut him off, pointing at the clock. "The article drops in five minutes. She needs to know before then."

Aurélien sucked his teeth in frustration. "My phone's in my bag—"

Without a word, someone pushed a landline phone towards him.

"How do you know I even know her number by heart?" Aurélien protested weakly.

Marco smiled knowingly. "Because by the way you're looking at her in these photos, I know for a fact that you do."

Cursing under his breath in French, Aurélien dialed Zuri's number, praying she'd pick up. After three rings, her voice came through, sounding wary.

"Hello?"

"Hi, ma chérie," Aurélien said, acutely aware of the fond smiles his term of endearment was earning from the room.

"Aurél? Is everything okay?" Zuri's worry was palpable.

"Yeah, yeah, just some stuff..." he paused, wiping a hand down his face. "Zuzu, they found out about us."

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "What do you mean, 'found out'?"

Aurélien took a deep breath. "There are photos, from last night. The Daily Mail is publishing them in a few minutes. I wanted you to hear it from me first."

He could almost hear Zuri processing this information. "Okay," she said slowly. "What does this mean? For us, I mean?"

Aurélien glanced at Marco, who nodded encouragingly. "For now, we're just going to say we're dating. Nothing about the... the arrangement. Is that okay?"

Another pause. "Yeah, that's... that's fine. Aurél?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for telling me."

Aurélien responded softly, "Of course, ZuZu. We're in this together, remember?" He hung up and headed back to practice, his mind racing.

Post-practice, Aurélien stood in the locker room, staring at his phone. The screen was lit up with notifications - Instagram, Twitter, missed calls from his parents. He felt a headache coming on.

Jude and Camavinga approached, concern etched on their faces. "Everything alright, mate?" Jude asked.

Aurélien gave them a brief rundown of the situation. Camavinga clapped him on the shoulder. "It'll blow over, man. Just stick together and weather the storm."

As he drove home, Aurélien tried calling Zuri again using the hands-free system. When it went to voicemail, he left a message: "Hey, ZuZu. I'm on my way home now. I know this is a lot to process, but we'll figure it out together, okay? See you soon."

Arriving home, Aurélien was greeted by an excited Zeus but no Zuri. "Merde," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. Just then, his phone pinged with a notification - Zuri had posted on her Instagram story. He tapped it, realizing she must still be at the influencer event she'd mentioned earlier.

An hour later, Zuri finally walked through the door. Her face was a mix of emotions - worry, exhaustion, and something else Aurélien couldn't quite place.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching her. "You okay?"

Zuri nodded, then shook her head, then shrugged. "I don't know. It's... a lot."

They settled on the couch, talking through the events of the day. Aurélien explained what his PR team had said, and Zuri shared some of the reactions she'd seen online.

"It's weird," she admitted. "Suddenly everyone has an opinion."

Aurélien reached out, taking her hand. "Hey, what matters is what we think, okay? The rest is just noise."

They ordered Thai food for dinner and, in an attempt at normalcy, settled on the couch to watch "Emily in Paris" on Netflix. As Zuri curled into his side, Aurélien felt a strange mix of anxiety and contentment. Their world had shifted today, but at least they were facing it together.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Days after the news broke, Zuri found herself in a whirlwind of attention. Her phone buzzed constantly with notifications, her follower count skyrocketing overnight. The comments ranged from supportive to downright vicious:

"You two are so cute together! #CoupleGoals"

"Gold digger alert 🚨"

"Damn, Tchouaméni's got good taste 😍"

"She's not even that pretty. What does he see in her?"

Zuri was diligent about protecting her peace, not hesitating to block accounts that crossed the line. She refused to let strangers' opinions affect her mental health.

As she prepared for the Valladolid game at the Bernabéu, her first time attending a match there, Zuri felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Lila was in the Netherlands for the Dutch GP, leaving Zuri to navigate this new experience alone.

She dressed carefully - a simple white t-shirt under Aurélien's Real Madrid letterman jacket, his number prominently displayed. She'd added her own touch, applying silver glitter over his last name and number on the back. High-waisted jeans and Adidas Sambas completed the look.

For the first half, Zuri stayed in the VIP box, trying to calm her nerves. As halftime approached, she decided to venture out for some snacks. In the bustling concourse, she couldn't help but overhear whispers of "That's Tchoua's girl!" and feel the weight of curious glances. A lone security officer, undoubtedly arranged by Aurélien, shadowed her discreetly, ensuring her safety.

Armed with a plate of nachos and a newfound confidence, Zuri made her way closer to the pitch for the second half. Real Madrid was already dominating 2-0, and the atmosphere was electric.

The crowd's energy was infectious, and Zuri found herself swept up in it all. As the fans around her burst into a thunderous chant of "¡Hala Madrid y nada más!", Zuri clapped along, her phone out to capture the moment. The rhythmic stomping of feet and the sea of white jerseys created a spectacle she'd never experienced before.

When the final whistle blew, signaling a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid, the stadium erupted in jubilation.

As the players celebrated on the pitch, Aurélien's eyes scanned the crowd. When he spotted Zuri, his face lit up with a brilliant smile. Without hesitation, he jogged over, leaping up to pull himself over the barrier. In one fluid motion, he enveloped Zuri in a big hug, planting a kiss on her temple.

The crowd went wild, cameras flashing furiously to capture the moment. Zuri felt her cheeks warm, but she couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her face.

As Aurélien pulled back, his eyes were twinkling with joy and pride. He joined in with the fans, chanting "¡Hala Madrid!" with infectious enthusiasm. Leaning in close, he told her, "Meet me at the usual spot. We're going out to celebrate!"

Zuri nodded, still caught up in the excitement. As Aurélien jogged back to his teammates, she realized that this - the energy, the passion, the joy - was something she could definitely get used to.

Zuri made her way to the designated meeting spot, her heart still racing from the excitement of the game. When Aurélien appeared, freshly showered and dressed in a sleek tracksuit, her breath caught in her throat. He looked... incredible.

To her surprise, Aurélien reached for her hand as they walked out of the stadium together. Cameras clicked furiously, capturing them, while fans clamored for autographs. Aurélien signed a few, never letting go of Zuri's hand.

They ended up at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the aroma of authentic Madrid street food filling the air.

"You've got to try this," Aurélien said, offering Zuri a bite of his chorizo sandwich.

Zuri took a bite, her eyes widening in delight. "Oh my god, that's amazing."

They sat close on a bench, their laughter mingling with the bustling sounds of the city. As they shared their food, Zuri found herself picking up a piece of patatas bravas.

"Here, try this," she said, holding it up to Aurélien's mouth. He leaned in, taking the bite, his eyes never leaving hers. The intimate gesture felt surprisingly natural.

"Delicious," he murmured, his voice low.

And then, it happened. Aurélien leaned in, his full lips meeting hers in a kiss that made Zuri's world stop spinning. His lips were perfect, soft yet commanding as he took the lead. He nipped at her bottom lip, sending a shiver down her spine. It was, without a doubt, the best kiss of her entire life. When they finally broke apart, Zuri felt dizzy, craving more.

She gazed at him with half-lidded eyes, a look that didn't go unnoticed by Aurélien.

"Finish your food, ZuZu," he said, his voice low and husky. "You're not ready for all of that yet."

Zuri felt a surge of defiance, her bratty side coming out. "What makes you so certain about that?" she challenged, arching an eyebrow.

Aurélien's eyes darkened, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm not going to repeat myself."

The authoritative tone in his voice sent a thrill through Zuri, a mix of arousal and intrigue that she definitely wanted to examine. Instead of broaching the subject further, she focused on finishing her food, leaning into Aurélien as they relaxed in the Madrid night.

One thing was for certain — kissing her had quickly become his new favorite pastime.

As they lounged on the couch after a long day of preparing the house for their families' arrival that weekend, Aurélien pulled her closer, his lips finding hers with ease. Her body was soft and pliable against his, and the warmth of her skin made it impossible to think about anything else but how good she felt in his arms. The taste of her was intoxicating, and every kiss was slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring every second.

Aurélien’s hands caressed her back, tracing small patterns as Zuri melted into him. She kissed him back with equal enthusiasm, her fingers sliding through his hair, tugging slightly at the nape of his neck. It was these little moments, these shared intimacies, that made him forget about the whirlwind of events that had brought them together. Whatever was going on between them didn’t need a label right now — he was reaping the benefits, and damn if he didn’t love every second of it.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered, "You taste too good."

Zuri giggled softly, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed up at him. "You make it sound like I’m some kind of dessert."

Aurélien smirked, trailing kisses down her neck. "Maybe you are. I can’t get enough."

They had spent the entire day getting the house ready for their upcoming ceremonies. Both of them had fittings earlier for the traditional Cameroonian/Bamileke wear they'd be donning throughout the four days of ceremonies and dinners. From the Nkap Nkong (Knock on the Door) to the Famla Meeting, the Nkwa (Dowry Negotiation), La Dot (Bride Price Ceremony), and finally the Ntchounke (Traditional Engagement Ceremony) — it was going to be an intense weekend. But at the moment, all Aurélien could think about was how Zuri looked in her traditional attire during the fitting, regal and beautiful.

The weight of the upcoming events hung over them, but Aurélien felt surprisingly calm about it all. As long as Zuri was by his side, he could handle whatever came their way.

“We’ve got a lot to get through this weekend," he murmured against her skin, "but after that, I’ve got to head to Paris for camp with the national team. You should come with me.”

Zuri’s eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of Paris. "Really?" she asked, her voice full of enthusiasm. "I love Paris!"

Aurélien chuckled, leaning back to look at her. "Yeah? Then you better brush up on your French. No more pretending you can understand me."

Zuri playfully swatted his arm. "I understand more than you think."

"Is that right?" he teased, pulling her closer. "Then how about you prove it when we’re there?"

She grinned, but just as she pulled away, Aurélien’s grip on her waist tightened, pulling her back into his lap.

"Stop being a tease, ma chérie," he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with affection.

Zuri laughed, her cheeks flushing as she kissed him again, giving in to the moment. There were still so many things left undefined between them, but right now, that didn’t seem to matter. The connection they were building, day by day, was enough.

TO BE CONTINUED…..

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (2/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @trinitoldyouso

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. I don't know a lot about Cameroonian culture, but I tried...

Zuri slumped on the couch, flicking mindlessly through channels on Aurélien's massive TV. Three days in this fancy house, and she'd barely seen her "fiancé." He was always rushing off to practice or meetings, leaving her alone in this unfamiliar place.

"Some marriage this is gonna be," she muttered, tossing the remote aside.

Her mind drifted back to how this chaos began. Last year, her dad Ernest had spent months in Cameroon, supposedly checking on grandma and some cousins. Turns out, he was also playing matchmaker with his old school buddy – Aurélien's dad. Two single kids, two scheming fathers, and bam! Instant engagement.

At first, Zuri had laughed it off. "Yeah, right," she'd told her friends. "Like arranged marriages are still a thing." But then the elders got involved, declaring it a "strong match." And when the elders speak, you shut up and nod, even if you're an American-born girl whose closest connection to Cameroon was the dashiki hanging in her closet and her mother's cooking.

Zuri grimaced, remembering the elders' disapproving looks. They'd practically sneered at her Americanized ass whenever she visited, with her broken Bamum, vague knowledge of Bamileke traditions, and even worse French. In their eyes, Aurélien was the golden boy – all traditional and strong.

"Maybe he can teach you a thing or two," one elder had said, eyeing her skeptically.

Just last night, Zuri had gone full stalker mode, Googling the hell out of him. Articles about his soccer career, thirst trap photos from events, gossip about his hookups. She had to admit, he was fine as hell. That body was criminal.

"Get it together, Zu," she chided herself. "This isn't some rom-com."

Now, as she sat in his home, reality was hitting her like a ton of bricks. Next month, both families would descend on Madrid to kick off this engagement circus. Cultural ceremonies, bride price talks, all that traditional crap she'd only seen in movies.

"How the fuck am I supposed to do this?" Zuri groaned, burying her face in a throw pillow.

She was a budding influencer, for Christ's sake. Her world was hashtags and sponsored posts, not ancient tribal customs. Yet here she was, about to be married to a stranger, expected to play the perfect Cameroonian bride.

Zuri pulled out her phone, thumb hovering over the Instagram icon. She was itching to post something, anything, to feel like her old self. But she hesitated. Was she even allowed to share this shit? Would Aurélien flip? Would the elders have a collective aneurysm?

"Fuck it," she sighed, putting her phone away. She'd have to figure all of this out eventually. But for now, she was just a lost girl in a strange house, in a foreign country, waiting for a ghost of a husband to acknowledge her existence.

As if on cue, the sound of a key turning in the lock caught her attention. Zuri's head snapped up, her heart suddenly racing. The front door swung open, and in walked Aurélien, looking every bit the professional athlete he was. His training kit clung to his muscular frame, his hair slightly damp with sweat.

Zeus bounded over to his master, tail wagging furiously. Aurélien bent down to ruffle the dog's fur, a genuine smile lighting up his face. Zuri took a brief moment to glance heavenward. "Are you trying to spite me, Lord?" she muttered under her breath.

Part of her wanted Aurélien to acknowledge her presence, to remember that she was an actual living, breathing human being sharing his space. But another part of her wasn't quite ready to face him. She needed more time to wallow in her misfortune, dammit.

Their eyes met, and Zuri felt a jolt of electricity run through her. Aurélien nodded in her direction. "Hey," he said, his voice deep and slightly rough from exertion.

"Hey," Zuri echoed, scrambling for something to say. "How was, uh… practice?"

Aurélien shrugged as he made his way to the kitchen. "Same as usual," he replied, pulling a water bottle from the fridge.

Zuri found herself unable to look away as he took a long drink. His head tilted back, exposing the strong line of his neck. She watched, mesmerized, as his Adam's apple bobbed with each swallow. A drop of water escaped, trailing down his chin and neck before disappearing into the collar of his shirt. The flex of his arm as he held the bottle made Zuri's mouth go dry.

Damn, why did he have to be so attractive? It was honestly unfair. Here she was, trying to come to terms with this arranged marriage bullshit, and her "fiancé" had to look like he'd just stepped out of a sports drink commercial.

Realizing she'd been staring, Zuri cleared her throat (and her mind), forcing herself to look away. "Cool, cool," she mumbled, internally cringing at how awkward she sounded. This arranged marriage thing was bad enough without her turning into a bumbling idiot every time her future husband walked into the room.

An awkward silence fell between them. Zuri fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, desperately trying to think of something to say. Should she ask about his day? Comment on the weather? Discuss the impending doom of their arranged marriage?

Before she could decide, Aurélien spoke up. "You eat yet?" he asked, his eyes scanning the spotless kitchen.

Zuri blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, no," she admitted. "I wasn't sure if… I mean, I didn't know if I should…"

Aurélien raised an eyebrow. "If you should what? Eat? It's your house too, you know."

The casualness of his statement hit Zuri like whiplash. Right. This was her house now. Her life. Her future. The reality of it all threatened to overwhelm her again.

Zuri shifted uncomfortably under Aurélien's gaze. "I, uh, had a cup of yogurt with some fruit this morning," she admitted sheepishly.

Aurélien gave her a look, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "And?"

"That's it," she mumbled, averting her eyes.

She didn't want to admit to him that her appetite was out of whack due to the whole "surprise, you're getting married to a stranger" situation. The last thing she needed was for him to think she was some delicate flower who couldn't handle a little life upheaval. Even if that's exactly how she felt at the moment.

Aurélien kissed his teeth. "That's not enough," he said, moving towards the fridge. "You need to eat properly."

Zuri watched as he pulled out a large glass dish covered in foil. "What are you doing?"

"Heating up dinner," he replied, turning on the oven. "My chef left some pasta dish as part of my meal prep. It's like a lasagna, but not really. Hope that's okay."

For a moment, Zuri just stared at him, baffled. This man, who she'd barely seen for three days, was suddenly sharing his food with her? The cognitive dissonance was real.

"You don't have to," she started, but Aurélien cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"I'm hungry, you're hungry. It's not a big deal," he said, sliding the dish into the oven.

Zuri found herself at a loss for words. She watched as Aurélien set the timer, his athletic grace apparent even in this simple task. The silence between them was punctuated only by the soft hum of the oven.

"So," Aurélien said after a while, leaning against the counter. "How are you settling in?"

The question caught Zuri off guard. How was she supposed to answer that? 'Oh, you know, just peachy. Love being uprooted from my life and thrown into an arranged marriage. Living the dream!'

Instead, she opted for a noncommittal shrug. "It's… different," she said carefully.

Aurélien nodded, as if he understood completely. "Yeah, I bet. Must be a big change from New York."

Zuri blinked, surprised he knew where she was from. Had he been researching her too?

"You could say that," she murmured, her mind racing. Was this small talk? Were they doing small talk now? God, this was weird. "How'd you know I'm from New York?" Zuri asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Aurélien smirked. "Your accent. Sounds like you're straight from Brooklyn. I've been to enough Nets games to know how those Brooklynites talk." He then launched into an imitation, his French accent making it sound utterly ridiculous. "Yo, I'm walkin' here!"

Despite herself, Zuri burst out laughing. It was a genuine laugh, one that surprised even her. Aurélien's lip twitched in response, and he nodded approvingly. "That's dope. Your tooth gem."

Zuri's hand instinctively went to her mouth, touching the small diamond on her incisor. "Thanks," she said, a bit taken aback by the compliment.

"I bet your dad freaked out about that," Aurélien mused.

Zuri rolled her eyes in recognition. "Oh, you have no idea. Just wait until he finds out about my piercing. That'll put him in an early grave."

Aurélien's brow furrowed in confusion. His eyes shifted around her face, then briefly to her slightly visible belly button. "What piercing? Unless he freaks out about ear piercings?"

"Uh... no," Zuri mumbled, her cheeks warming as she realized she'd dug herself into a deeper hole. "My nipples... are pierced."

Realization dawned on Aurélien's face, followed quickly by surprise and something else... was that desire? "Oh!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Oh... that's hot."

The moment the words left his mouth, the air between them seemed to crackle with tension. Zuri felt her face grow even warmer, unsure how to respond to her soon-to-be husband calling her nipple piercings "hot."

Aurélien cleared his throat, suddenly very interested in the oven timer. "So, uh, dinner should be ready soon," he said, his voice a touch higher than usual.

Zuri nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "Great," she managed to squeak out, wondering if it was possible to die of embarrassment.

The oven timer broke the awkward silence, its shrill beep making them both jump slightly.

"I'll get it," Aurélien said quickly, moving to retrieve their dinner. The rich aroma of cheese and herbs filled the kitchen as he pulled out the dish.

Zuri watched him dish out two plates, her mind still reeling from their unexpected exchange. She couldn't believe she'd just told him about her nipple piercings. And his reaction… well, that was something she'd have to unpack later.

"So," Aurélien said as he set a plate in front of her, "besides traumatizing your dad with body modifications, what else do you do?"

Zuri snorted, grateful for the attempt at normalcy. "I'm an influencer," she said, bracing herself for the usual skepticism that followed that statement.

Aurélien nodded, seemingly unfazed. "Yeah? What kind of content?"

"Mostly fashion and lifestyle stuff," Zuri explained, twirling pasta around her fork. "Some travel content when I can swing it."

"Sounds interesting," Aurélien said, and to her surprise, he seemed genuinely curious. "How'd you get into that?"

As they ate, Zuri found herself opening up about her career, her goals, her struggles with balancing authenticity and marketability. Aurélien listened attentively, asking questions that showed he was actually paying attention.

"What about you?" Zuri asked eventually, realizing she'd been dominating the conversation. "I mean, I know you play football, but… what else?"

Aurélien shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not much else, honestly. Football takes up most of my time. But I like music, reading when I can, doing a bit of a podcast too. And I've got Zeus, of course."

At the mention of his name, the dog's ears perked up, and he trotted over to Aurélien's side.

"He seems to really love you," Zuri observed, watching as Aurélien absently scratched behind Zeus's ears.

"Yeah, he's a good boy," Aurélien said fondly. Then, glancing at Zuri, he added, "You know, he doesn't usually warm up to strangers so quickly. You must be special."

Zuri felt her cheeks warm again, unsure how to take the compliment. Was he flirting? Or just being nice? This arranged marriage situation was making it hard to read social cues.

"Listen," Aurélien said, his tone turning more serious. "I know this whole situation is… unconventional. But I want you to know, I'm committed to making it work. Whatever that looks like for us."

Zuri nodded slowly, processing his words. "Yeah," she said finally. "Me too. I guess we're in this together, huh?"

Aurélien's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Looks like it. So, truce?"

He extended his hand across the table. Zuri looked at it for a moment before reaching out to shake it, a small smile of her own forming.

"Truce," she agreed.

As their hands touched, Zuri felt a spark of… something. Connection? Possibility? Whatever it was, she realized that maybe, just maybe, this arranged marriage wasn't going to be the disaster she'd feared. It was still weird, still not what she'd planned for her life, but sitting here, sharing a meal and conversation with Aurélien, it didn't seem quite so daunting anymore.

Maybe, just maybe, they could make this work.

A few days had passed since Aurélien's impromptu dinner with Zuri. He'd been swamped with intense training sessions, preparing for the upcoming match against Atalanta in Warsaw. But despite the physical exhaustion, his mind kept drifting back to that night at the club with Jules, and the image of Zuri's tear-stained face when he'd returned home.

It had stirred something in him. A desire to try, to make an effort, even with all the chaos of his professional life. He owed her that much, at least.

So far, they'd been lucky. The media hadn't caught wind of Zuri yet, but Aurélien knew it was only a matter of time. Especially if she accompanied him to Poland next week. He wondered if it was even a good idea to bring her along, but then again, keeping her hidden away wouldn't solve anything in the long run.

Their recent conversations had revealed something that both amused and concerned him: Zuri didn't know the first thing about football. It was almost endearing, but as the wife of a professional player, it was a gap in knowledge he needed to address, and soon.

Aurélien's mind wandered to their dinner conversation, to Zuri's casual revelation about her nipple piercings. The memory sent an unexpected jolt of heat through him. He'd been trying not to think about it, about her in that way, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

His father's frequent calls didn't help matters. "How are you two getting along?" he'd ask, his tone a mix of concern and expectation. Aurélien would give vague, noncommittal answers, not quite ready to dissect his growing attraction to his arranged bride.

Because attracted he was, there was no denying it. Zuri was exactly his type: a brown-skinned beauty with full, kissable lips. While she wasn't particularly busty, her wide hips more than made up for it in Aurélien's eyes. He found himself stealing glances when she wasn't looking, admiring the way her clothes hugged her curves.

As Aurélien jogged onto the training pitch, he pushed his personal thoughts aside, focusing on the drills ahead. The next few hours were a blur of tactical exercises, sprints, and practice matches. By the time Ancelotti blew the final whistle, Aurélien was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching pleasantly from exertion.

In the locker room, as he was toweling off after his shower, Jude's voice cut through the post-practice chatter.

"Oi, Tchouaméni! We still on for tonight at yours?"

Aurélien froze for a moment, the realization hitting him. He'd completely forgotten about their regular hangouts, where they'd rotate hosting duties at each other's homes.

"Uh, yeah," he managed, his mind racing. "Yeah, we're still on."

Camavinga chimed in, patting his stomach for dramatic effect. "Good, because I'm starving. Your chef better have something good planned."

"Don't forget, Kylian's joining us this time," Jude added, referring to their newest addition to the team, Kylian Mbappé.

As his teammates continued chatting excitedly about the evening plans, Aurélien felt a knot forming in his stomach. How could he have forgotten to mention Zuri's early arrival?

"Uh, guys," he started, his voice cutting through the conversation. "There's something I should probably tell you…"

Jude looked at him curiously. "What's up, mate?"

Aurélien took a deep breath. "My, uh… my fiancée is in Madrid. She's staying at my place."

The locker room fell silent for a moment before erupting into a cacophony of surprised exclamations.

"The fuck?" Camavinga sputtered.

"Since when are you engaged?" another teammate chimed in.

Jude, however, just stared at Aurélien, his eyes wide with surprise. "Mate," he said slowly, "are you telling me she's here already? I thought that wasn't happening until next month."

Aurélien nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety at finally sharing the news. "Yeah, she arrived a few days ago. It was… unexpected."

"Bloody hell," Jude exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "And you're just telling us now?"

Aurélien fielded questions from his teammates, feeling a bit overwhelmed. He'd only told Jude and Camavinga about the arranged marriage, and trying to explain it to everyone now felt strange and oddly invasive.

"But is she fit though?" one of his teammates asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Aurélien's lips trembled with amusement. "Yeah," he admitted, "she's gorgeous."

As the guys continued to rib him, Aurélien quickly sent a text to Zuri:

"Heads up, some teammates are sliding through tonight."

Her reply came moments later:

"Should I make something?"

He texted back:

"Not necessary."

"I owe you one 😉" came her final response, making him smile despite his nervousness.

Later that evening, the guys arrived at Aurélien's house. They greeted Zeus enthusiastically, ruffling his fur and letting him jump up on them. Suddenly, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.

"Mate, something smells amazing," Jude commented, sniffing the air appreciatively.

The guys made their way to the kitchen, where the aroma of spices and simmering meat filled the air. Zuri stood at the stove, stirring a large pot.

"Not wifey making dinner. I see you, Aurél," Camavinga said with a grin.

Aurélien introduced Zuri to his teammates, trying to ignore the way Cama's eyes lingered on her. She was wearing another one of her baby t-shirts and a pair of athletic shorts that were criminally short, accentuating her curves.

When he noticed Cama staring a bit too hard at Zuri's ass, Aurélien couldn't help but mush the guy's head playfully. "Eyes up here, bro," he muttered, feeling a strange mix of pride and possessiveness.

Zuri turned to greet them all, her smile bright and welcoming. "Hope you guys like ndolé," she said, gesturing to the pot. "It's a traditional Cameroonian dish."

As the guys settled around the kitchen island to eat, Zuri fell into easy conversation with Kylian, Jude, and Camavinga. Aurélien watched, pleasantly surprised at how naturally she interacted with his friends.

Suddenly, Zuri's phone rang. "Excuse me for a sec," she said, stepping out of the kitchen to take the call.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the teasing began.

"Yo, Aurél," Camavinga piped up, "think your dad can find me a wife too? She's a baddie!"

"For real though," Kylian chimed in, "you lucked out, man. She seems cool."

Jude nodded in agreement. "It's great that you're both trying to make it work. Can't wait to tell Lila about this – she's gonna flip!"

After dinner, the guys lounged in Aurélien's living room, plates balanced on their laps, loaded with Zuri's hastily baked cookies and generous scoops of ice cream. The air was thick with laughter and the sweet scent of sugary goodness.

"Yo," Kylian called out, a mischievous glint in his eye, "your girl's got skills. You sure this is an arranged marriage and not you bribing her?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the small surge of pride he felt at the compliment to Zuri. He watched as she laughed, the sound warming something inside him he didn't quite want to examine yet.

As the night wore on, Aurélien found himself growing increasingly antsy. His teammates seemed determined to know every detail of Zuri's life, and while he appreciated their interest, he couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to shield her from their prying questions.

"Alright, guys," he finally said, clapping his hands together. "It's getting late. Some of us have training in the morning."

A chorus of groans met his announcement, but the guys began to gather their things. Aurélien ushered them out, ignoring their good-natured ribbing about him wanting alone time with his "wifey".

When he returned to the living room, Zuri was already gathering plates and cups. "You don't have to do that," he said, moving to help her.

"It's no big deal," she shrugged. "Your friends are nice."

They worked in companionable silence for a few minutes, the awkwardness from earlier in the week creeping back in now that they were alone.

"Hey," Aurélien said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "Want to watch a movie or something?"

Zuri looked up, surprise evident on her face. "Sure, why not?"

They settled on the couch, a respectable distance between them that was quickly filled by Zeus, who flopped down with a contented sigh.

As the credits rolled, Aurélien stretched, reaching for the remote. "Well, that was…"

"Terrible," Zuri finished for him, laughing. "Seriously, who picked that movie?"

He grinned, shrugging. "Guilty as charged. I'll do better next time."

The phrase 'next time' hung in the air between them, a promise of more evenings like this. Aurélien found himself not hating the idea.

"So," he said, his tone casual as he absently scratched Zeus behind the ears, "have you ever been to Poland?"

Zuri blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "Can't say I have. Why?"

"You should come through," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "I've got a match there next week."

Aurélien watched her, trying to gauge her reaction. Was this too much, too soon?

"That could be… interesting," she said slowly, testing the waters.

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Cool. It's a date then." As soon as the words left his mouth, Aurélien felt his eyes widen slightly. Shit. Did I really just say that? "I mean," he backtracked, feeling uncharacteristically flustered, "not a date-date, just… you know…"

"I know," Zuri said quickly, saving him from his fumbling. "Sounds good."

They lapsed into silence, the air between them charged with something Aurélien couldn't quite name. As Zuri stood to head to bed, he found himself watching her go, wondering what exactly he'd just set in motion.

A trip to Poland with his arranged fiancée to watch him play football. Life, he mused, had certainly taken an unexpected turn.

TO BE CONTINUED...