Page 281 of Axis of Fire

“Before you can fly it, you need to scan your information through the sensor so the Beckbill can calibrate itself to you.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“It adjusts to your weight, your reach, your grip strength, and the speed best suited to you.”

“Can’t I control the speed myself?” I asked, forgetting Airis couldn’t actually see me.

“You can,” he replied calmly.

“But the Beckbill won’t let you exceed the speed it knows you can handle.”

I nodded, studying the handlebars and the small control panel in the center before pressing my fingerprint against the scanner.

“It’s also important to pay attention to how you shift your weight,” Airis continued.

“The Beckbill follows your movements.

It leans with your body.”

“Then what’s the point of the handlebars?” I scoffed.

“To hold on to.”

At that exact moment, his warm hands settled around my waist.

The world froze.

So did I.

I could’ve sworn Airis stopped breathing too.

Suddenly, it felt as though fear had never existed inside me at all.

It vanished in an instant.

“Ready to try lifting off?” he murmured.

“Press the right handle.”

His voice sounded rougher now.

“Okay.”

Mine did too.

Damn.

We were completely aware of each other.

Taking a quiet breath, I pressed the handle.

The vibration of the Beckbill traveled through both our bodies.

A few seconds later, the damned thing began to rise.

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me.

My heart practically leaped into my throat while fear swallowed me whole.