Devon wondered if they were going to allow Kat to stay and speak with him. Hm. How did one deal with seven giants? He didn’t recall a single one of his mother’s fairy tales that gave instructions. If only he had some magic beans. The thought made him grin, a fact that did not sit well with the giant conclave one bit.

“Miss Kat,” snapped the redheaded one. It was quickly becoming apparent he was the leader. “I don’t think ye should be standin’ aboot, talkin’ to a stranger.”

“Simon, for the love of—what could happen? We’re here, in the middle of the clearing. If the man is foolish enough to attempt to molest me, I’ll black his eyes and send him on his way.”

Devon had to bite back a smile for the calm way she spoke. He didn’t know of another woman who would have made such a statement in such an unemotional manner.

“Simon,” Kat said. “Take the lads back inside; I’ll be in shortly.”

“We’ve two more windows to make,” he answered, though his gaze never left Devon.

“I realize that,” she answered, a note of steel in her voice. “Which is why you all need to get back to work. I cannot do the cuts until you’ve got the glass ready.”

Whatever that meant, it must have been true, for the men began to shift uneasily. Finally Simon flexed his shoulders and nodded once. “Very well. If ye need us, ye’ve but to call.” He cast a last, cold glance at Devon and then turned to the others. “Back inside, lads. The sooner we get the glass ready, the sooner Miss Kat can get it cut.”

As soon as they shuffled back into the building, Devon glanced down at Kat. “Your servants?”

“No. Apprentices. Except Simon.” She gave Thunder one last pat, then stepped away, her gaze meeting his. “Why are you here, Sassenach?”

“Sassenach?”

“Englishman.”

He wasn’t sure he liked the way she said that. “You’re English, too. At least half.”

Her mouth tightened, her green eyes accusing. “You’ve been talking to Malcolm.”

Devon nodded.

A faint line of color touched Kat’s face, and she turned away, facing the building. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Devon eyed a large wood curl in Kat’s red-gold hair. He reached out to untangle the sliver of wood, but Kat yanked away.

She eyed him suspiciously. “What are you doing?”

He smiled and reached again, only this time more slowly. She held still, though her body was so stiff he could almost feel the tension seeping from her.

Apparently, when she wasn’t surprised, Kat Macdonald was a bit shy of touch. He wondered if that was a result of the incident that left her “ruined” in the eyes of society, or because of Malcolm’s other guests continually groping her when they came to visit.