Grace froze, her hands stilling over the produce she was unpacking. The faint color of embarrassment bloomed on her cheeks, but her expression remained composed. "That book...," She began, though there was a slight edge to her voice, "is a gift from someone else. It holds no bearing on me or my lifestyle in the slightest."
Alastor chuckled, leaning casually against the wall next to her. "Oh, my dear Sister, no need to explain. I'm merely intrigued by it." He let the words hang in the air, his eyes glinting with amusement. "For someone as disciplined and pious as you, such a possession feels curiously... out of place."
Grace turned to face him, her gaze steady and unflinching despite the heat still tinging her face. "You may find amusement in prying into my life, Mr. Alastor, but I assure you, there is little of interest for someone like you."
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure," He replied, taking a step closer to her face until they were almost touching, the playful smirk never leaving his lips. "You're full of surprises, Grace. I'm beginning to think there's far more to you than meets the eye."
She met his gaze without flinching, her posture straightening as she subtly shifted her stance. "And I'm beginning to think you enjoy testing boundaries, Mr. Alastor. Let me remind you that while you're under my roof, I expect respect not just for me but for the sanctity of this home."
Alastor backed away from her a bit, his hand raised in a defensive manner. "Of course, of course. I am merely intrigued by what I found." Alastor's smirk softened into something more contemplative as he took a step back, his posture relaxing slightly. "My apologies if I've overstepped. But I can't help but be curious about the layers beneath that composed exterior of yours, Sister Grace."
Grace let out a soft sigh, her tension easing just a bit as she turned back to the produce she was arranging. "I'm sure you have your reasons for prying," She replied, her voice a touch softer. "But I assure you, Mr. Alastor, there's nothing to uncover that would change your perceptions of me."
Alastor took a moment to study her, his gaze softening. "Maybe not," he said after a pause. "But I think it would be more interesting if there were. Don't you?" His smile was less teasing now, more genuine. "We all have our complexities, Sister Grace. Even if you hide yours well."
Grace glanced over her shoulder at him, her expression softening slightly. "I'm not hiding anything," She said, her tone firm but not unkind. "I simply don't feel the need to share every small detail of my life with everyone." She resumed her task, the conversation sliding back into a more comfortable rhythm.
Alastor watched her for a moment longer before nodding. "Fair enough," he said, stepping back fully this time. "But I think you underestimate the curiosity of a man like me, Grace." His tone was lighter now, more playful, but there was a hint of sincerity in his eyes. "And what I uncover is a woman who is sexually frustrated."
With that, he walked straight back to Grace whose face was beginning to get flustered. Cupping her chin, he makes her look at him in the eyes. "It must be lonely, isn't it? Solely dedicating your life to your faith, never having any time to yourself, always helping others like me in need, and never being able to release your frustration."
He could see it in her eyes, the hidden desire. Of wanting to be able to relieve her frustration. Grace's breath hitched at his touch, the mixture of frustration and vulnerability evident in her eyes. She tried to look away, but Alastor's grip on her chin held her gaze firmly.
"I don't need your sympathy, Mr. Alastor," She said, her voice trembling slightly. "I am not sexually frustrated. I'm committed to a purpose beyond mere desires."
Alastor chuckled softly, the sound low and contemplative. "Of course, Grace. I'm not offering sympathy. I'm merely pointing out the obvious. A woman like you, with so much control and discipline, must have some... needs that go unfulfilled..."
She shook her head, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "You're mistaken. I'm not here to satisfy my curiosity or desires. My faith is my priority, not indulging in fleeting pleasures."
Alastor stepped closer, his voice softer now, but still carrying a challenge. "Maybe so, but it's clear there's more to you than that. You're only human, Grace, and humans have needs - needs that don't just disappear just because you choose this path in your life."
Grace's cheeks burned with embarrassment, the conflict evident in her eyes. "I don't need this discussion, Mr. Alastor," She said, her tone sharper now. "Your insinuations are irrelevant."
Alastor's smirk returned, a bit softer now. "But they're interesting, Grace. And I can't help but wonder... what if you allowed yourself to explore those needs? Would it really be so wrong?"
Grace's eyes narrowed, her voice tight with frustration. "I don't need to explore them," She said, her voice low and firm. "I have chosen this path for a reason, and I won't let you or anyone else make me question it."
"Now please drop this subject Mr. Alastor."
Alastor watched her closely, a mixture of amusement and something more genuine in his eyes. He took a step back, his smirk fading slightly as he looked at her thoughtfully. "Fine..." he relented, his tone softening. "I respect your choices, Sister Grace. And maybe one day, you'll allow yourself to explore those aspects a bit more freely."
Grace sighed, trying to maintain her composure. "I've made my choice, Mr. Alastor, and I'm committed to it," She said, her voice a touch gentler now. "Now with that out of the way, please do not go through my personal belongings again. You are a guest here after all."
"Of course, once again, sorry for bringing up the subject earlier." Yet beneath his facade of an apology, Alastor couldn't help but think of how easy it is to corrupt her. 'Looks like I don't have to do much after all.'