i am somewhat at a loss

[PyramidScheme]

when i try and take my snake out for a while, whether to be handled or to clean his tank and have him explore the caves of my comforter for a bit, he gets very skiddish. his breathing becomes visibly labored, and he gets in a defensive position. he has (only twice) struck at me but from afar, never when i have my hand near him (but he will look as though he wants to). after a while he seems to calm down a bit, but he never wants to stay in one spot, whether on the bed or in my hands. i think maybe he's looking to escape? but it's crazy, when i put him back he'll try with all his might to grab the edge of the tank and not let go as if he doesn't want to go back. he isn't happy either way, and i don't want to hurt him by ripping him off the edge of the tank. what can i do? (i have had him for a little under 2 months)