Bella Woods directly tugged on Ashton Marshall's collar and walked into the mall.
"I just don't want you to meet people," Bella deliberately said.
Ashton, being much taller than her and unprepared for such a sudden assertive move from the normally obedient girl, took a few steps before realizing what happened.
He simply laughed and wrapped an arm around Bella's waist, lifting her off the ground.
"You, you..." Bella looked around at the people staring at them and quickly pounded Ashton lightly, kicking her legs to make him put her down.
"Didn't you say you didn't want me to meet people?" Ashton smirked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Clearly, he was teasing her.
But he didn't take it too far, knowing Bella was shy, so he set her down as they reached the elevator.
Bella adjusted her clothes and stepped back a little, creating some distance between her and Ashton.
She complained a bit, "You didn't have to..."
