Things were not going as planned.

Syed had been manager of the Argee Bhajee for two weeks. Christian had been in the gym for longer than that, and yet despite Alec's best laid plans to keep them busy and apart, it just wasn't working.

Christian would go over the Bhajee and pick up Syed to go for lunch together in the Vic, and Alec could tell by their smiles when he was in each of the buildings when they'd texted each other. He was beginning to wonder if it had been a mistake having the upstairs office window for AB-Cs at the front of the building - Christian was frequently caught checking out the window to see if Syed was on his way from the restaurant.

And when Christian was training downstairs he would pick the treadmill nearest the window. And he'd take clients outside when the weather cleared up a bit to 'get some air'...

Syed was just as bad, hovering near windows too and constantly phoning Christian to ask his opinion on plans for the menu, despite that being a decision between Syed and Alec. Christian had to come over and taste the new menu with them and though Alec had enjoyed Christian's opinions just as much as Syed had, someone was a third wheel. And Alec didn't like it to feel like it was him, when that wasn't his plan.

He couldn't deny that both were doing a good job. Both were flourishing in their roles. And somehow that was worse. He couldn't fault them from a business stand point, but from a personal one, he was beginning to get annoyed seeing them so happy.

He'd even seen Syed carrying holiday brochures for Florida, Italy and the South of France, which could only mean they were planning a getaway. The problem with that was imagining Christian in swimwear... and then that image being shattered by the knowledge that he was planning to go to warmer climes with Syed and not him.

It just made him want this even more. And perhaps the time for subtlety was over.

Syed already had misgivings about him. He wasn't an idiot; he knew Syed had issues with him. He was proud of that - knowing that Syed got jealous of him could only mean he had a good reason to be jealous. That reason was that Christian and Alec would be good together. But Christian wouldn't be able to give up Syed - he was beginning to recognise that fact.

He'd have to take Syed out of the equation himself.

Either Syed would do the right thing and move on, or he'd have to show Christian that Syed wasn't right for him.

If he did the former then he'd face the possibility of Christian moping around, not knowing what he did wrong in Syed's eyes. But if he did the latter, then Christian would be upset with Syed, possibly even hate him. So that would have to be plan A.

Which meant he had to come up with a good reason for Christian to hate Syed.

Which meant he had a phone call to make.

"Account 417R," he stated, as the receiver picked up on the other end.

"What can we do for you today?"

"My usual. I want the same boy but I need him for longer and I'm getting him for someone else."

"A threesome? That'll cost you more."

"No, just... for me, and then for someone else."

"Okay, you'll be charged the same rate for both then."

"Fine. It's worth every penny."

"When do you want 'im round?"

"Early this afternoon, if possible. Maybe around 2 o'clock."

"He'll be there."

He knew his real name; he just didn't like to use it. The whole point was the fantasy, and once Paul entered his flat he became 'Christian', and every time he was there he did exactly what Alec asked of him and played his part.

Alec would be rather sad to say goodbye to Paul once he had the real thing for himself.

He lay back on the bed, panting, as Paul climbed up his body, asking him if he'd enjoyed it, while wiping his mouth off.

"Just as brilliant as usual."

'Christian' smiled at him and lay beside him. Alec turned to him and propped his head on his hand.

"You know what I want you to do, right?"

"I'm to wait for this Syed bloke and then get him alone in front of the restaurant."

"Exactly, and you have to be right there in front. I'll be watching."

"What is this? Some kind of kinky thing?"

"No, it's a present," Alec replied, keeping his face as innocent as he could muster, before chucking the soiled sheets aside and beginning to look for his underwear.