Page 47 of Sacred Hearts

I wake to the unfamiliar sensation of another body pressed against mine, the steady rhythm of Matteo’s breathing warming my neck. For a moment, I simply absorb this feeling—the weight of his arm draped across my waist, the tangle of our legs, the gentle rise and fall of his chest against my back. Never in my life have I experienced such profound intimacy, such complete acceptance of my whole self.

Carefully, I turn to face him, not wanting to disturb his sleep but desperate to see him. In repose, his face appears younger, the lines of determination and stress smoothed away. I trace the curve of his jaw with my fingertips, marvelling at the privilege of touching him this way.

His eyes flutter open, focusing slowly on my face. The smile that blooms across his features is breathtaking in its openness.

“Good morning,” he murmurs, voice rough with sleep.

“Is it morning? I’ve lost all sense of time down here.”

He glances at his watch. “Nearly seven. We’ve been here almost twelve hours.”

The reminder of why we’re in this bunker—assassins hunting us both—casts a momentary shadow. Soon we’ll need to return to ourseparate worlds, to the dangers that await us outside this sanctuary.

“We should talk about what happens next,” I say, not moving from his embrace.

“Mmm.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Five more minutes of this first.”

I acquiesce easily, melting against him as his hands begin a lazy exploration of my body, retracing paths discovered hours earlier. But even as desire stirs again, my mind races ahead to the challenges we’ll face when we leave this room.

“Matteo,” I finally say, reluctantly pulling back slightly. “We need to plan.”

He sighs, propping himself up on one elbow. “You’re right. The security teams will be returning soon.”

We both sit up, the sheet pooling around our waists. The domesticity of the moment—discussing strategy while naked in bed together—strikes me as absurdly wonderful.

“I’ve been thinking about the Vatican Bank investigation,” I begin. “Cardinal Antonelli and his allies will expect me to retreat after this assassination attempt—to accept increased security that effectively isolates me.”

“That’s exactly what they want,” Matteo agrees. “To cut you off from your supporters, control your movements, limit your access to information.”

“Which is why I need to do the opposite.” I meet his eyes directly. “I’m going to call for a special synod.”

“A synod?” His eyebrows rise in surprise. “On the banking scandal?”

“No.” I take a deep breath. “On Church teaching regarding homosexuality, clerical celibacy, and marriage.”

His eyes widen. “Marco, that’s—”

“Revolutionary? Heretical? Political suicide?” I smile slightly. “Probably all three.”

“Why now?”

I reach for his hand, threading our fingers together. “Partly strategic. It will divert Antonelli’s attention, force him to fight on multiple fronts. While he’s rallying opposition to doctrinal changes, we can continue our financial investigation more freely.”

“And the other part?” Matteo asks softly.

“Because it’s time. Because what happened between us last night wasn’t wrong—it was sacred.” My voice grows stronger as I continue. “Because I’ve spent years studying Church history and theology, and I know that doctrine evolves. What we consider unchangeable today was often hotly debated centuries ago.”

Matteo studies me, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

“Since long before I became Pope,” I admit. “But I lacked the courage to act on my convictions. Recent events—and you—have helped me find that courage.”

He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “The conservatives will fight you with everything they have.”

“Let them. I have truth on my side.” I squeeze his hand. “And what about you? What’s your next move?”

“I’m announcing formal corruption charges against Finance Minister Russo and Transportation Minister Bianchi today. The evidence connecting them to the Vatican Bank scheme is irrefutable.” His expression hardens. “My coalition might collapse over this, but I won’t back down.”

“New elections?”

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