Melinda nearly collapsed when he started coughing, sagging a little. One hand went to her own chest, the other gripping his shoulder as he sat up. She was shaking a little. She glared at him sharply when he spoke and, keeping hold of his shoulder, punched him hard in the chest.
"Merlin's jockstrap, Marek," she said, sitting back and letting go of him. Her eyes were stinging and hands still shaking. "You ridiculous prat," she added. She couldn't really manage anything more coherent than insults at the moment.