Disclaimer: I only have $100 in my bank account, conclusion: definitely not the owner of the Millennium trilogy.

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Chapter 19

Aaron Blomkvist was annoyed. He wanted to crawl around, but his mother confined him to his playpen. He had a ball and a cell phone her mommy gave him. He played around with the phone and got bored. He wanted to explore but could not get out of this place.

Lisbeth Salander was working on her latest research job. She had things under control; finally. At 8 months Aaron was a nightmare. He learned to crawl and was trying to drive her insane. Mikael and her had to baby proof the apartment now that Aaron was on the loose but they were completely busy with work. It was crazy; they did not take any vacation time this year. Millennium was launching a book and Mikael was busy editing. Armansky asked a personal favor and contracted her for a big corporate case.

"Mommy!" Aaron yelled he was getting impatient, he wanted out now. Needless to say Lisbeth ignored him and his warning.

Aaron was getting ready for his pouting show, it worked on daddy, auntie Annika and the blond woman. He pouted away and opened his big blue eyes but mommy was not falling for the trick

"I know you Aaron. You won't get out." His mommy said and he sighed and fell on his bottom. He tried a crying gig but nothing. His mommy approached and gave him his white teddy bear. He resigned himself and played with it.

Lisbeth saw her child trying to trick her but if she could resist the original pouter, Mikael Blomkvist himself, she could do the same with the little doppelganger. She was extremely busy and did not need the added distraction that was Aaron Blomkvist. If it were up to the little boy he would spend all day crawling and exploring around.

Lisbeth had neither time nor patience today. Usually her research projects gave her satisfaction and she was able to write a report within a week. But these corporate employees were giving her extra work. She contacted Plague and Trinity for help; finally the three of them were able to compile decent reports.

Lisbeth was also busy because of her financial affairs in Gibraltar. Her legal advisor culminated his contract and Lisbeth did not know what to do with her money. Wasp Enterprises was doing great, her involvement diminished but she no longer cared. Trinity was the one doing all the work for the company, he was now the president and major shareholder.

Lisbeth was not really interested in the business; she was simpler and just needed to know that she had money just in case she needed it. Lisbeth decided to have the rest of the money in the bank accounts. She hired a new lawyer who gave her monthly reports. Mikael didn't want to involve himself in any of her finances.

"Whatever you do is fine, just make sure you are aware of all that happens around your money." That was the only advice Mikael gave on the matter. After days of not knowing what to do with so much money she decided to donate most of it to different charities around the world.

She kept an amount in three trust funds, one for Aaron, one for emergencies and one for Mikael and her. She also had Wasp Enterprises stocks. Mikael agreed on her proceedings and was happy that Sally managed to get rid of all those millions.

Lisbeth heard the door open and saw a weary Mikael enter the house.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy" squealed Aaron; finally someone would pay attention to him. His mommy did not even play with him today.

"Hey buddy, how was your afternoon." Mikael asked Aaron, who was busily babbling and making no sense.

Mikael kissed Lisbeth in the head and picked up Aaron from his playpen. He was tired but finally today was Friday. He could unwind and be with his family for the weekend. This book was sucking the life out of him, it was interesting but the author had a lot of revising to do. The writer was a little rough around the edges but had a lot of potential.

He kissed Aaron and tickled him; he was about to put him down when Lisbeth said "don't even think about putting that little hellion on the floor." She was tired too and reminded Mikael that Aaron had the tendency to create havoc anywhere he crawled.

"Sorry little man but mom is right, I forget how much trouble you can get into." Aaron looked longingly at the floor and glared at his daddy, who whispered "blame your mother, she was the one who said no."

"I heard that, you do know that Aaron can hear you and if we go by what medical journals say he can comprehend speech by now."

She looked up from her laptop and closed it. She then let a sigh and said "I'm done with this case, remind me to ask about the clients' names before doing favors to Armansky."

"I thought you loved big cases." Yelled Mikael from the kitchen where he was making himself a ham sandwich, Aaron was eating bread with him.

"I do, but this one was not interesting. It was just hard to find the corporate dirt on the employees." Lisbeth was tired, and Aaron seemed to feel the same way. He fussed and stretched his chubby arms on her direction. She took him and kissed him on the head. The baby laid her head on his mommy's breasts. He nuzzled them.

Mommy got the hint and gave him his milk; he sleepily gazed at his mommy and closed his eyes. He was asleep within five minutes.

Lisbeth carried him to his crib and then when to the bedroom. She found a sleeping Mikael; she curled up next to him and drifted off.

He hugged her a pulled a leg over her, Mikael slept better when he had Lisbeth as a body pillow and vice versa.

Aaron woke them up; he was crying his heart out in the next room. Mikael got up and checked on his son. The baby lifted his little hands and opened and closed them. Mikael picked him up and tried to soothe him. He rocked him and eventually Aaron calmed down.

Lisbeth was already preparing the coffee maker, and said "Aaron needs to have his check up appointment this month."

Mikael had not achieved his goal of having Lisbeth attend one of those yet. He tried to persuade her again, "you know Sally maybe you should come this time, what if the doctor needs information only you have such as nursing schedule?"

She was not falling for any of his traps, "you know the schedule better than me, seeing as you and your son share my milk production."

He smiled wickedly and winked at her, maybe next time he thought. Today was his turn with Aaron. They were going to Millennium. Lisbeth was going to see Agatha. His Sally went to see the elderly woman at least once a month. He had met Agatha twice; she was a very pleasant lady.

Mikael drank his coffee and then took a shower; Lisbeth changed Aaron and dressed him. He had a blue sweater and black jeans; he was trying to undress himself and was getting frustrated.

"Why is it that you always try to do this Aaron? It won't work." She smiled at him and kissed him in the cheek. He grabbed her nose and squeezed. Lisbeth pulled him up and carried him to the living room. She put him in his high chair and fed him cereal.

A dressed Mikael approached her and kissed her, he then went into the kitchen and poured himself another cup of coffee.

"Are we having lunch together or are you coming back home straight from Agatha's?" Mikael asked. He was sure that his schedule would not allow him to take Aaron all day. His plan was to have Lisbeth take over the babysitting duty in the afternoon.

Lisbeth offhandedly answered, "I'll go to Milton security and hand in my latest report. Also I am going to see Mimi, she just got back from France last week."

So she was definitely not switching babysitting duties, he came clean and told her.

"Sally love, I need you to take Aaron for today or at least the evening, please. I have a full schedule and I will not be able to look after him. Karina Johansson is meeting with me today and we are finishing her book."

"I don't think so Kalle, I held my end of the bargain. I babysat him yesterday and the day before because you could not take him. Tough for you Blomkvist, but life is hard." She winked at him and kept feeding Aaron who was engrossed with his cheerios.

"But Lisbeth love, I will make it up. I'll cook for two weeks straight and take over baby duties for a whole month." Mikael thought that was a sweet deal, Lisbeth hated cooking and no baby duty would be a nice bonus.

"No, and do not try anything else chore related. You are already in my debt for a week." Lisbeth was not changing her plans, she truly loved her son but he was a very distracting baby and would demand her whole attention.

Mikael tried another approach; he pulled her from her chair and looked at her directly in the eyes. He gave his Sally the smoldering look he would give her just before he undressed her. Mikael knew it turned her on whenever he did it; she was still dressed in one of his old t-shirts. He ran his hand over her left tight and squeezed her hip. He bit her ear and whispered, "If you take Aaron today, I will make sure Annika has him over the weekend and we will not leave our bed until late Sunday evening when we pick him up."

"Imagine that Sally, you under me for a whole three days. Picture it love, nothing will come between us, just you and me, it will be like old times. You screaming your pleasure without worrying about the baby crying or needing one of us." He was now licking one side of her neck and toying with her panties.

Lisbeth grabbed his head and kissed him forcibly, she then bit his lower lip and answered, "You play dirty Mikael Blomkvist, trying to bribe me at all costs. I like your reasoning but still no." She swatted his hand away and went into the bedroom to get dressed.

Damn it, Mikael thought. He looked at Aaron who was throwing cheerios around. He was a very energetic baby, he would have to take his son to Millennium and pray he behaved today.

Mikael entered the bedroom and saw Lisbeth pulling up a black tank top and dark tight jeans. She had filled out and her behind looked great, he hugged her from the back and pinched her ass. "Are you sure you don't want the weekend for just us?" he attempted his last seduction.

She turned around and touched his chest, "I want the weekend, but you still have to take care of Aaron today. I would not say no to a sex filled weekend but Aaron has to be with you today."

He sighed and kissed her again "I'll see if Annika wants to take him in tomorrow, I really want us to be alone. I love our son but we need to unwind and have some alone time."

Lisbeth nodded and pulled him for another kiss. They were getting hot and heavy but they were interrupted by Lisbeth's cellphone, it was Agatha.

"Sweetheart I have to cancel, my youngest, remember Isaac, well he is taking me to a surprise cruise to the Bahamas."

"Oh, don't worry, we'll see each other when you come back." Mikael heard Sally agreeing and wishing her friend a good trip.

"So that was Agatha, she is going to be away for three months. Apparently her son and his family are celebrating her birthday with this cruise to the Bahamas."

Mikael smiled and added playfully, "then you can take Aaron for the day," he grabbed her middle and tried ticking her. She half-smiled but sternly said, "No."

His face fell, but she added "although you could do something for me." She looked at him evilly and said, "You Mikael Blomkvist will desist on your idea of taking me to Aaron's appointments. You will not complain or try to guilt me into going with you."

Mikael's desperation was so great that he agreed. Lisbeth gave him a final kiss and whispered, "Do get Annika to take our son, I'll have a little something for you if you get us that weekend."

He wanted to throw her on the bed and have his way with her but he was running late. He kissed her neck and left a mark, "don't you worry your pretty little head. I will play dirty and use years of sibling blackmail if I have to. We will have this weekend love."

Mikael was on his third cup of coffee when he left the apartment. He walked to Millennium and entered his office; he got to work. At around 2:00 PM Johansson showed up and they went over the last details of the book. By 5:00 PM they finally came to an agreement; Johansson was reluctant to make some changes that Mikael thought were essential for the book. The young writer relented and he compromised, they were both happy with the final product.

Mikael went to Erica's office to say goodbye, "hey Erika, I'm done for today. Have a nice weekend."

Erika seemed surprised; they were supposed to get together at Christer's house for his birthday. "What do you mean aren't you going to Christer's birthday get-together?"

Mikael forgot about that detail, "I will have to make my excuses, Christer will understand. I have to relax, Erika I need time with my Sally. You know better than anyone else know the pressure around me these past few weeks."

Erika still felt a little heart broken whenever he alluded to his relationship with Salander but it was becoming a dull pain. She answered, "you know what I'll tell Christer that you and Lisbeth have a terrible cold and are not able to make it to the party."

"Erika Berger you are an angel, I won't forget this." He briefly hugged her and left the office.

One down, one to go, he thought. He called Annika; he went by her office and launched his attack.

He entered his sister's office and greeted Annika and went straight to the point, "I need you to take Aaron for the weekend."

His sister immediately said, "No way, I'm not babysitting an eight month old baby. Not even for a million dollars."

"Dear baby sister, I am not asking you. You Annika Giannini are taking your nephew or I will spill your darkest secret to your husband."

"You wouldn't, you are bluffing." Annika was not falling for the trick, he looked serious but he wouldn't. Her brother was a very moral person and when she told him about that night he swore he would never tell anyone.

"Annika, I'll tell Enrico about how when you were fifteen you got poison oak in your vagina while you were camping with your other friends and went to a male counselor who caught you scratching and thought you were masturbating."

Annika blushed, it was almost silly but that was her most embarrassing memory. She had surely done stupider things but peeing in the woods and getting poison oak was the most humiliating. She still remembered the talk she got from Goren the counselor. It wasn't until he began speaking about calling her parents that she confessed. She was sent to the nurse's office and she gave her calamine and a shot.

Annika told her big brother five years later when she was under the influence of alcohol. "Mikael you swore you would never tell, but if you are playing hard ball then I'll tell Lisbeth about the time you fed Aaron chocolate ice cream and he went wild with sugar rush."

He winced and said, "She knows, and she forgave me already. Drop it Giannini, Lisbeth knows everything about me. She's a great researcher plus I don't have any secrets around her."

Annika did not believe him and tried to blackmail him but she was unable to sway him. It wasn't until he dialed Enrico's number that she agreed to take the baby boy.

"You will pay Mikael Blomkvist, do not even think about using that information for the future." Mikael knew that, it was part of their deal. Once a sibling uses blackmail information they can never use it again.

"Thank you little sister, now get your stuff together. We are going to my home and you are taking Aaron. We will pick him Sunday evening." Mikael winked at her. He ushered her to the door and they left for his apartment.

Annika drove and then it occurred to her that she did not have a car seat for Aaron. She told that bit of information to her brilliant brother. He assured her to not worry, "we bought a car sit after Erika drove us once. We believed that it wouldn't be the last time so we bought one."

Crap, thought Annika. She was sure that was going to annoy Mikael. She continued to glare at the road. They entered the apartment and found Lisbeth and Aaron playing with a red ball. He was bouncing it and Lisbeth was giving it back whenever he threw it too far away.

"I'll get his diaper bag, his food and some of his toys. Lisbeth do you have his milk pumped."

Lisbeth glared at him and nodded. She addressed Annika; "He drinks his milk at 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. You probably have a day supply, he fusses but he will eventually drink formula. 'Eddie' refers to his white teddy bear; he never leaves it. He sleeps with it and talks to it. He won't sleep unless you sing, "Can't help falling in love"; thank your brother for that. He has an uncanny fascination with this show called Dora The Explorer; he loves the blue monkey. He watches that show every morning at 8:00 AM. Other than that he won't give you any trouble. Do not let him manipulate you into letting him crawl free."

Annika was surprised but Lisbeth didn't give her time to say a word before she gave her the milk and some formula bottles. Annika had children of her own and she did know how to take care of the child besides, Aaron was a very easygoing child. He wouldn't give her much trouble.

Mikael stepped out of the bedroom with all of the necessary equipment. Lisbeth kissed Aaron and gave him to Annika. The baby went willingly and pulled his aunt's hair to get her attention. Aaron looked at her and slapped her face.

Mikael went with them to the car and fastened the car seat. He put his son on it and said goodbye.

That was how their first weekend away from Aaron started.