Title: Diplomatic Liability
Series: Devlin Taylor, Earth Ambassador, Book Two
Author: Rebecca Cohen
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: 01/28/2025
Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 65900
Genre: Science Fiction, tentacle/tail sex, aliens, interspecies, scientist, ambassador, space travel
Devlin Taylor is Earth's first ambassador, seeing the universe with his alien boyfriend Zal by his side. But nothing is straightforward when you're the first human on board a spaceship. Devlin and Zal need to keep their relationship hidden for now, and many others on the ship would like to get the chance to explore a new species’ anatomy. New planets, strange worlds, and exciting adventures await Devlin, but when an unknown species tries to board the Chroalian ship, something doesn't add up, and Devlin is left wondering what is going on. Add in homesickness, jealousy, and cultural differences, and Devlin has a lot to learn. Good job Zal is by his side every step of the way.
Diplomatic Liability
Rebecca Cohen © 2025
All Rights Reserved
Devlin fastened the buttons of his suit jacket. “How do I look? Suitable for drinks with the captain of a starship?”
“As much as I love you in a suit, and probably even more out of one, I do have to ask if it’s really the right attire for your new position.” Zal was sitting up in bed, his bright orange hair sticking out at all angles and looking like he’d not long before engaged in several rounds of energetic sex. Which was unsurprising because that was exactly what had happened.
“The Ministry said the office dress code extended to my position as Earth Ambassador, but you might have a point that I should probably consider this the equivalent of your dress uniform.”
“I don’t have one of those yet. While I wait, the closest thing I have are my ambassadorial robes or my formalwear. And the latter didn’t survive the evening after our leaving gala. The ship’s quartermaster told me in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t a seamstress when I asked him to repair the side seam that somehow got split.”
Devlin chuckled at the memory. They had thought it would be their last night together, with Zal leaving Earth at the end of his visit. At that time, Devlin thought he had no way to leave with him. They had been very enthusiastic. “You did get a bit excited, but at least you have a chance of repairing your robe; my poor shirt ended up being put in the rag recycling box.”
“I’m sure I can find a way to make it up to you.” Zal patted the space next to him on the bed with the point of his tail. “I promise not to damage the one you’re wearing.”
“Nice try, Zal, but you should be getting ready. You’re supposed to be my liaison officer, and I’ve got a drinks reception in my honour to attend. I don’t want to be late.”
Zal muttered something Devlin’s translator either couldn’t or wouldn’t translate but got out of bed. “We’ve plenty of time yet. Let me grab a quick shower. I can hardly turn up reeking of sex with a human.”
“For all the crew would know, the smell could be a new cologne you picked up on Earth.”
Zal laughed and stole a quick kiss as he headed to the bathroom, naked. “Eau d’Devlin does have a nice ring to it, but the last thing I want is someone else liking your scent. That, and your fuzziness, are all mine.”
Devlin loved the pattern of scales that ran over Zal’s skin and his tail which now, like often was the case, writhed as if it had a mind of its own. Zal was hairless and, because of it, had a fascination with Devlin’s body hair from the first time he’d got his hands on his hairy chest.
Staring around his new cabin, Devlin still couldn’t believe he was here. There was no mistaking that the vista outside his porthole was space. He was the first Earth Ambassador and would be travelling on this ship for the equivalent of ten Earth months before reaching Zal’s home world, Chroalia. The idea of all the fascinating people he would meet was the icing on the cake of being with Zal. They had thought it impossible, both having given up on finding their happy ever after, yet here they were.
A ping came from a panel on the wall by his bed. He wandered over to it. It pinged again, and he saw written in green font: incoming communication.
For want of a better option, he tapped the writing and when nothing happened there was a third ping. “Hello?” he tried.
The screen came to life and a face appeared. They had bright pink skin and a neatly trimmed purple beard but not a wisp of hair on their head, which made their ears look bigger than they were, especially with their elaborate earrings. “Ambassador Taylor?”
“Yes?”
“I am Dr Golic. You’re supposed to report to Medbay once you’ve settled into your cabin. Where is Lieutenant Catenmir? He was aware of the requirement.”
He had a vague recollection that he would have a medical once he came aboard, but Zal hadn’t said when. Zal was currently in his shower, removing the evidence of how they’d christened his new bed, and since no one was meant to know they were in a relationship yet, it might give the game away. “Er…”
“According to the location sensors he is in your cabin.”
“He’s just using the bathroom. Once he’s done, I’ll have him bring me to Medbay.”
“Good.” Dr Golic gave him a strange look, which Devlin couldn’t decipher. He suspected he was going to get quite a few of those in the first few weeks aboard ship. “Come immediately. That way I can take your base levels before they are contaminated from anything you might imbibe, as I understand you’ve a welcome reception to attend.”
“I’ll trot right along.”
“Walking will be acceptable, Mr Taylor. There is no need to engage in Earth equine activities.”
Rebecca Cohen spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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