Page 38 of Revv

“I was testing the brakes.”

“You were testing my fucking patience.”

I laugh once, then shut up and focus.

The track doesn’t give us much time to relax. One corner runs straight into the next, and fucking up the first throws off the whole section. I move early, keep the bike settled beneath me, and feed the throttle in clean instead of grabbing too much.

Reign is still ahead, but I’m closing the gap.

Nobody talks for the next few corners. We all want the fastest lap too badly to waste breath.

Echo’s voice finally comes through my earpiece.

“Revel, the rear looks better. Don’t get greedy.”

I pass the pit wall and catch her standing beside Andre with her headset on, watching the timing screen.

“Wasn’t planning on it.”

“That’ll be a first.”

I grin inside my helmet but keep my eyes on Reign as I drop into the next turn.

“Your sector two is slow,” she adds.

“Not for long.”

I drop a gear and push harder into the next corner.

The front tire bites cleanly. I drag my knee close to the ground, hold the line, then get back on the throttle early enough to feel the rear squirm beneath me.

Echo notices immediately.

“Easy.”

“I’ve got it.”

“You always say that right before I have to order new fairings.”

“I’m still upright.”

Andre’s voice comes over hers. “And keep it that way.”

I close the gap to Reign over the next two laps.

He catches me coming and blocks the inside before I’m close enough to try anything.

“Scared?” I ask.

“No.”

“You moved.”

“I took my line.”

“You took mine.”

“Then find another one.”