I felt so on edge and insecure all the way during the ride back to the mansion because I was alone with Raphael in the car. Although he had to focus on driving, that didn't completely eliminate the possibility that he could turn his attention to tease me at any time. I felt a sensation in my chest each time that he turned to direct his attention my way. Thankfully, we managed to arrive back at the mansion without incident. A wave of loneliness washed over me as I made my way into the mansion when I realized that my mother wasn't there waiting for me. Hopefully, she was having the time of her life on her honeymoon trip with Bennett.
"I'm just going to go back to my room," I told him without looking at him.
"I’ll help you carry these to your room," he offered, as if following me to my room.