i covered my chest with my arms again . he 'd insisted the doctors check her out thoroughly . she was only seventeen , damn it , and an immature seventeen at that . he almost looked like an angel or a small innocent child . maybe he could make an effort and fall in love with her a little . `` i would rather insult you than lose you , '' he said , and before any of them could make a move to stop him , he cast both items into the fire . 