Chapter 85

EMILIA

I instantly get defensive, momentarily forgetting that if this basket in the sky decides to tilt, I’ll be falling to my death. “Are you seriously trying to blame me for your mistakes?”

His lips twitch. “I wouldn’t dare. Truly.” He’s trying not to laugh, but he’s failing miserably—his shoulders are shaking, and his mouth is twitching like he’s choking on a smirk.

“Besides,” he adds, eyes dancing, “you’re the one who mocked me when the balloon lady asked if you were scared.”

“That was before the adrenaline wore off.”

He grins. “You mean when you climbed in first and said, and I quote, ‘It’s okay if you’re too scared. Not everyone’s built for conquering their fears’? That was just the adrenaline talking?”

“I’ve grown since then,” I hiss. “It was a lapse in judgement. A temporary ego high.”

“Well, color me inspired. I’m so impressed I can barely speak,” he mocks, cupping my cheeks with that infuriatingly smug smile spreading wider. “Truly